Louis Mari

Louis R. Mari, age 84, of Bristol Boro, passed away peacefully on Sat., December 29, 2012, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born and raised in Bristol Boro. In his youth, he was employed by the former Hunter Wilson Distillery in Bristol Boro. Later, he owned and operated Mari’s Café for 20 years and eventually worked at Philadelphia Park as a “hot walker.” He was later employed by the PA Racing Commission working in the office of the state veterinarian. Lou was a member of the U.S. Coast Guard for 3 years and was stationed in Cape May, NJ. In 1949, Lou as invited to tryout for the Philadelphia Athletics, but personal circumstances prevented him from proceeding. Louis was an avid fan of all sports, and he almost never missed watching Phillies and Eagles games on TV. Some of his final moments were actually spent watching a college football game. He was predeceased by his parents Romano & Mary Ciotti Mari; and sister Loretta Pascoe. He was a member of St. Ann Athletic Association. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 63 years, Virginia (nee: Hickey); his children Raymond Mari and his wife Sharon, and Ginny O’Donnell and her husband Kevin; his grandchildren, Colin O’Donnell (Shanna), Evan O’Donnell (Briana), Eric O’Donnell (Nicole), Jonathan O’Donnell, and Alison Mari; and his adoring great grandchildren, Celia Grace O’Donnell and Rian Bailee O’Donnell. He is also survived by his sisters Natalie Mosco and Rita Daniels. Relatives and friends are invited to call today (Jan. 3), 7pm-9pm, and tomorrow (Jan. 4) 8am-9:30am, at the Galzerano Funeral Home, 430 Radcliffe Street, Bristol Boro. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10am at St. Mark Church. Due to military scheduling, interment will be held at a later date at Washington Crossing National Veteran’s Cemetery. Because of his lifelong love of thoroughbred horses, it is requested that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in his memory to Friends of New Bolton Center Fund. Checks should be made payable & mailed to: Trustees of the University of PA, Trustees of the University of PA, and mailed to Development Office at New Bolton Center, 382 W. Street Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Louis Mari, please visit our flower store.