Mario J. DeMartino, 80

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. —  Mario John DeMartino, 80, of Lanesboro, MA died peacefully at his home on Saturday July 17, 2021 after a long illness.

Born in Niagara Falls, NY on May 29, 1941 to the late Anthony J. and Antoinette (Pino) DeMartino, he was raised surrounded by his large Italian family which was the cornerstone of his life. He graduated from Bishop Duffy High School in 1959 and received his bachelor's degree in physical therapy from Ithaca College in 1963. In 1964, after working at hospitals in New York, Mario moved to Berkshire County where he began his career as the Director of Physical Therapy with Berkshire Rehabilitation Center. In 1974 he established his own private practice, Physical Therapy Services of the Berkshires. In 1978 he returned to Berkshire Rehabilitation Center as director of physical and occupational therapy. In 1983 he joined Berkshire Physical Therapy as director of physical therapy. Mario returned to private practice in 1999 as owner and director of DeMartino Physical Therapy, which he operated alongside his son, Anthony. Mario retired in 2011 after 46 years of service to his profession.

Professionally, Mario consulted and provided services at several Berkshire County nursing homes, Berkshire Meadows, for the Berkshire County Association of Retarded Citizens, and, especially close to his heart, Hospice Care in the Berkshires. He was also active and held various leadership roles in the Western Mass Health Planning Council of the Berkshires, Mass Chapter of American Physical Therapy Association, Berkshire County Association of Allied Health Professionals, and the City of Pittsfield Commission on Handicapped.

Mario was also a long-time public servant in Berkshire County. He served as a board member of Pittsfield General Hospital, Pontoosuc Lake Advisory Committee (chairman), Pittsfield YMCA, Berkshire Healthcare Systems (chairman), and Hospice Care in the Berkshires. In addition, he served as chairman for the Pittsfield Ethnic Fair and the Pittsfield 4th of July Parade Bucket Brigade. He often said “If you make your living and raise your children in the Berkshires, give something back. Volunteer.”

Mario was the recipient of the 2007 YMCA G. Fred Lincks Award, the 2013 Berkshire Health System’s Francis X. Doyle Award, and was the 2014 Grand Marshal for the Pittsfield 4th of July parade.

He was deeply rooted in his Italian heritage and was a long-standing, active member and past president of ITAM Lodge #564. He was also a member of UNICO, CIAO, and the Faccioli Club. Mario enjoyed playing golf and had been a member of Skyline Country Club and Wahconah Country Club for many years. He also enjoyed bowling, bocce, and dancing with his beautiful wife, Sandy. He was a communicant of St. Agnes Church in Dalton.

A man of great faith, Mario’s greatest passion was his family. He was a devoted son and brother, a loving and generous husband, a proud and thoughtful father, and an enthusiastic papa and grandpa who could often be found cheering on one of his grandchildren playing baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, basketball, or ultimate frisbee. Holidays, birthdays, and Sunday dinners at “Casa Tino’s” were times of great banter, stories, and joy. He was a trusted confidant and advisor and always made time for those in need. He served his community tirelessly and selflessly with the single goal of trying to make a difference. Indeed, he made a difference in the lives of many and left a legacy that will continue well beyond him. A life well lived and a man well loved.

Survivors include his wife, Sandra (Lahey) DeMartino, whom he married on July 12, 1980; and two daughters- Diane E. (Kole) Quagliano of Lanesboro and Andrea DeMartino (Larry) Wiepert of East Amherst, NY, one son- Anthony A. (Dawn) DeMartino of Pittsfield, one son-in-law-James (Brenda) Ferguson, and his former wife Phyllis Scipione DeMartino. Aside from his parents, he was predeceased by two daughters- Sharon M. Ferguson and Anne Marie DeMartino. He also leaves 12 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one sister- Marie DeMartino of Henderson, NV and several nieces and nephews and many cousins.

FUNERAL NOTICE: A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Mario DeMartino will be celebrated Saturday July 24, 2021 at 1:00 PM at St. Agnes Church in Dalton by the Rev. John Roach. Calling hours AT THE CHURCH are Saturday from 11-1 PM. Memorial donations may be made to HospiceCare in the Berkshires in care of FLYNN & DAGNOLI-BENCIVENGA FUNERAL HOME, 5 Elm St. Pittsfield, MA 01201. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.