Mario Abate

Mario Abate, 94, of Palm Beach Gardens, FL passed into the loving hands of our Lord on Sunday evening, September 11, 2022, in Jupiter Medical Center. Mario was born on November 16, 1927, in Croatia to Angelo Abate and Carla Bracco Abate. He attended his schooling in Italy and started his career as a seaman in the merchant marines where he immigrated to the United States. He met his future wife, Dolores Maldonado, while working as a seaman on a river cruise line on the Hudson River. After they married, Mario started his career with Perkins Marine Lamp and Hardware in Brooklyn, NY working as a packer. This job required significant experience and dexterity to ensure these very expensive fixtures were packed to ensure they arrived at their destination undamaged. During this time, Mario and his wife Dolores were blessed with one daughter, Carol. In 1960, Mario was offered a position at the company’s new facility in North Miami Beach where he continued his career with Perkins until retirement in 1988. Near the end of his career his wife, Dolores, passed away due to cancer. During his retirement Mario lived a simple life with his focus being on family and his family in Venice, Italy, where he traveled, extensively, during his retirement years. He enjoyed listening to and attending local concerts including the Rolling Stones and Luciano Pavarotti. He especially loved the ocean, as evidenced by his earlier years as a seaman in the merchant marines. He would spend hours watching boats leave and enter the Florida inlets and would often spend time at the beach. Being the consummate Italian, Mario loved his food including any dish that had pasta in it. Mario is survived by his daughter, Carol Abate Bittner, four grandchildren, Benjamin and Sonia Bittner, April and John Jamason, Randy and Alicia Bittner, and Matthew and Cassie Bittner, eight great-grandchildren, Jamin, Gabriel, Liam, Andrew, Autumn, Elijah, Maxwell, and Elizabeth. His parents Angelo and Carla, wife Dolores, brother Cesare, sister Itala and three great grandchildren Rachel, Sarah, and Summer preceded him in death. He also leaves behind a community of dear friends whom he shared many stories and good times. Nonno Mario lived his life to the fullest as husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, always looking forward to his next adventure to be shared with his family and friends. He strived to win the appreciation of those around him and the affection of the children in his family, always asking about them. He was also very generous, ensuring his family was never without anything they needed. We love you Nonno Mario. We will miss your companionship, your singing, and your stories about the old country. In lieu of flowers, any desired donations should be made to St. Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain, SD or St Jude’s Children Hospital in Memphis, TN. His family would also like to thank the many people at Davita and the medical community who worked hard to bring him comfort and prolong his life during his last years.

Mario Abate

November 16, 1927 - September 11, 2022