Mario J. Menicucci

MENICUCCI, MARIO J. Mario J. Menicucci, age 92, passed away peacefully at his home on Veteran's Day, November 11, 2014, surrounded by his family. He was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico on May 27, 1922 to his parents Amerigo and Davina Menicucci. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Theresa, who still resides in the family home. He is also survived by his six children, daughter, Gemma and husband, Russell Morris, daughter, Roberta Menicucci, son, John and wife, Muffin Menicucci, son, Mark and wife, Susie Menicucci, daughter, Laura and husband, Danny Miller, and son, Philip and wife, Susan Menicucci. Mario is also survived by 17 grandchildren; Marisa (Freddie Peyerl), Justin, John Jr. (Betsy), Janea, Joseph, Jason (Shaina), Brian (Gina), Sarah (Derek Riewe), Kevin (Laurel), Jeremy (Charissa), Adam (Stacy), Eric (Ashley), Ivan, Neal, Theresa, Noah and Samuel, and 31 great-grandchildren, and 2 more on the way in 2015. He is also survived by his sister, Rena and husband, Al Arrigoni; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Louise and brother-in-law, Bill Stein. A member of the Greatest Generation, he served his country proudly in the Army Air Force during World War II. He finished his service working with the federal Lend-Lease program in Australia and New Zealand. Along with his father, Amerigo, his uncle, Julio, and his cousins, Charlie and Dante Menicucci, he operated Super Service Station and Tire Co., and Super Oil Co. in downtown Albuquerque, a service business built upon trust and integrity. He was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Parish since 1950, a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Elks club, American Legion Post 13, the Brothers of the Good Shepherd, and after surviving colon cancer 28 years ago, a member of the Ostomy Association of NM. Mario was a master gardener, growing figs, tomatoes, green beans, lettuce, and squash to supply all of the family. He loved the outdoors. He was happiest fishing and dove and quail hunting with his sons and grandsons. He loved to picnic and hunt mushrooms in the Jemez Mountains and get away to a small family cabin in the Jemez. Among the Italians in Albuquerque, he was the consummate mushroom hunter, with everyone calling him in late summer to see where the mushrooms were. Up until several years ago he bowled in his league every week and played bridge with a wonderful group of men. He was a quiet man of great faith, never complaining about anything in his life. He lived his life for his family. The family would like to thank the special caregivers of SolAmor Hospice for the care and dedication they gave Mario over the last two years and to his primary care physician, Dr. Francesco Standoli. Pallbearers will be his grandchildren. A Rosary will be recited on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 4020 Lomas Blvd NE. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Church. Interment will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Casa Angelica, Our Lady of Fatima School, or the Brothers of the Good Shepherd.