Mario Joseph Schito, 81, of Aberdeen, went to his eternal rest on Tuesday, September 8.

Mario was born in Newark to the late Jennie and Hugo Schito and was raised in East Orange, where he graduated from East Orange High School. At the age of 18, Mario served his country honorably in the Army. Once he returned home, their love story began. He married the love of his life Lucille and they began their family in Newark, raised them in Hazlet, and moved to Florida for a few years. They eventually returned home to New Jersey, settling in Middletown, where they spent the majority of their years together before making their final move to Aberdeen. Mario and Lucille shared a beautiful, devoted love that was at the heart of their family. They were true partners and best friends, and their love for one another was evident to everyone who knew them. Together, they built a life filled with family, laughter, hard work, and countless memories. Lucille was the love of Mario's life, and he was hers.

Mario was the owner of a very successful family business, M. Schito Disposal, where he was respected and admired by everyone in the industry.  He took great pride in his work and in providing for his family, but his greatest joy was never found in what he owned or accomplished; it was found in the people he loved.

A kind, generous, friendly, and easygoing man, Mario had a way of making everyone feel welcome. He never needed much to be happy. His favorite thing in the world was simply spending time with the people he loved most. Whether gathered around the table, sharing a meal, telling stories, attending his grandchildren's many activities, watching a game, or simply enjoying one another's company, Mario was happiest when his family was together.

He was a loving and devoted father who was immensely proud of his children and always there for them. He was also a cherished grandfather who adored his ten grandchildren and treasured every moment he spent with them. His family was his greatest source of happiness, and the love he gave them has shaped them and will remain with them always.

Mario enjoyed playing golf and was a loyal fan of the Giants, Yankees, and New Jersey Devils. He was also an avid and talented cook, and his family will forever remember the comfort and love that went into his famous hot sausage and peppers, meatballs and gravy, lasagna, and his infamous candied sweet potatoes at Thanksgiving. For Mario, cooking was another way of bringing the people he loved together.

A devout Catholic, Mario was a longtime parishioner of St. Leo the Great, where devotion to God and his faith remained an important part of his life.

Mario was predeceased by his beloved wife, Lucille, and his parents, Jennie and Hugo Schito. Though their time apart was painful, their love was enduring, and he now rests peacefully with the woman he loved so deeply.

Mario is survived by his three children, Mario Jr. and his wife, Denise Schito, of Freehold; Lisa and her husband, Michael Vitale, of Middletown; and Toni and her husband, Larry Liskiewicz, of Long Valley; his ten grandchildren, Giovanna, Marina, Alexandra, Isabella, Brianna, Christina, Madison, Michael, Brooke, and Claire; and many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Mario leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, kindness, generosity, and family. He will be remembered not only for the life he lived, but for the way he made the people around him feel: loved, welcomed, and cared for. His greatest gift was his heart, and he gave it freely to his family and to all those fortunate enough to know him.

He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by the family he loved more than anything.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 13 from 2pm – 4pm & 7pm – 9pm at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 South Holmdel Road, Holmdel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, September 14 at 10am at St. Leo the Great, 50 Hurleys Lane, Lincroft. Entombment will follow at Holmdel Cemetery & Mausoleum, Holmdel.

In lieu of traditional remembrances, Mario's family asks with gratitude that donations in his memory be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering ( www.mskcc.org )

For messages of condolences, or to share a favorite memory of Mario, please visit his page of tribute at www.HolmdelFuneralHome.com