POWNAL, Vt. — Mario Richard Cristofolini, 79, of Pownal, died on Monday, July 3, 2017, at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington.

 

Born in Vigo Cavedine, Italy, on Aug. 6, 1937, he was a son of Guglielmo "Carlo" and Maria Merlo Cristofolini, he attended schools in Italy and graduated from the former St. Joseph's High School in North Adams, Mass.

 

A decorated Army veteran, he served in the Korean War. 

 

Mr. Cristofolini owned and operated Mario's Variety Store and Meat Market for 25 years with his wife, the former Florence Jean Oakes. His specialty was his Italian sausage. He was previously employed by the Village of Readsboro, Boston & Maine Railroad Co. and Deerfield Specialty Paper Co. He later was manager at the West Mountain Llama Farm and worked at Lamson & Goodnow Cutlery in Shelburne Falls, Mass.

 

He was a communicant of St. Joachim's Church in Readsboro and Sacred Heart & St. Francis Parish in Bennington. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, cooking, gardening and was an accomplished accordion player and musician. He alos was an avid New England fan rooting on the Boston Red Sox and Celtics, and the Patriots. He was a member of American Legion Post 29 in Readsboro.

 

His wife, whom he married on Oct. 17, 1959, in St. Joachim's Church, died on Feb. 5, 2017.

 

He leaves a daughter, Lisa Maria Filler of Bennington and her fiance, Bruce Andrews; a son, Richard Cristofolini and his wife, Traci, of Stamford; his brother, Aldo Cristofolini and his wife, Margie, of Readsboro; his sister, Vicky Trudeau of Pownal; four grandchildren, Ryan D. Filler of Memphis, Tenn., Eric M. Filler of Orlando, Fla.,, Caleb M. Cristofolini of Orleans, and Lorenzo L. Cristofolini of Stamford. 

 

He was predeceased by his brothers Francesco, Enrico, Tullio, Lino, Bruno Cristofolini.

 

FUNERAL NOTICE — A Liturgy of Christian Burial to celebrate the life of Mr. Cristofolini will be held Saturday, July 22, at 10 a.m. at St. Joachim's Church in Readsboro. Burial with full military honors will follow at Village Cemetery, Readsboro. Donations may be made to Readsboro American Legion Post 29 in care of Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, 74 Marshall St. North Adams, MA 01247.