Mario D Passaretti

HELOTES, Texas - Mario D. Passaretti, 87, of Riverdale died peacefully Sunday, Jan. 23rd at the home of his eldest daughter, Patricia (Passaretti) Wians, and his son-in-law, Dr. Frank Wians, Jr., of Helotes, Texas. He was the husband of the late Filomena (Viglione) Passaretti for 48 years and Theresa (Sabatino) Passaretti for 4 years, both of whom preceded him in death. Born and raised in Paterson, son of the late Louis and Jennie Passaretti, Mario resided in Bloomingdale for many years before moving to Riverdale. He was employed as a Manager at Kirker Chemical Company, Paterson until his retirement in 1990. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, Golden Key Senior Club, and he enjoyed working as a volunteer aide at Saint Joseph's Hospital in Wayne. A member of the "greatest generation," he served during WWII as an infantryman in General George Patton's 3rd Army. Following the Normandy invasion, he participated in such actions as the Battle of the Bulge, the relief of Bastogne, and the march into Germany. After Germany's surrender in 1945, he served as military policeman during the de-Nazification of Germany. PFC Mario Passaretti was awarded a Diplme from France, which he hung proudly on the wall of his condominium, for his participation in the liberation of France, and several medals, including the Distinguished Service Medal. Mario enjoyed gardening and grew champion dahlias at his home in Bloomingdale before moving to Riverdale. He is survived by two daughters, Patricia Wians of Helotes, Texas and Lois Zack of West Milford, 5 grandsons, 2 great-granddaughters, and his sister-in-law, June Passaretti, the wife of his late brother, Louis Passaretti, Jr. He was the brother of the late Alexander Passaretti of Paterson. There will be a viewing on Friday, Jan 28th from 3-5pm and 7-9pm at The Morrison Funeral Home 86 Bartholdi Ave. Butler, NJ. A funeral mass will be celebrated at Saint Anthony's Catholic Church, Butler at 10am Saturday, Jan 29th , followed by burial in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Butler.