Oreste "Mario" Berardelli, 87, of Monessen, passed away on Sunday May 1, 2016 at his home. He was born on Oct. 31, 1928 in San Mango D'Aquino Italy, the son of Paolo and Domenica Torchia Berardelli. Mario immigrated to this country from Italy through Ellis Island in 1954. He was a tailor by trade and worked for various companies such as Misty Harbor, Brooks Brothers, London Fog, and Jones New York. In 1967, he along with his business partner Pio D'Orazio, received funding to operate a sewing factory in Donora. They co-owned and operated Donora Sportswear Co. Inc., for over 35 years. Donora Sportswear Co. Inc. was one of the only U.S. based contractors for London Fog for over 25 years. Their company employed hundreds of people from the Mon Valley during the 1970's and 1980's. Mario was very proud of his accomplishments including his garden full of garlic, onions, beans, and tomatoes. He enjoyed canning tomatoes, making wine and soppressata with family and friends. It was an Italian tradition that we will always cherish. He was an avid bowler and had many good friends in his various bowling leagues. He was on WTAE's "Bowling for Dollars" almost getting the pot with a strike and a spare. He enjoyed going to Wheeling Downs and The Meadows with his friends. Mario was a member of the Epiphany of Our Lord Roman Catholic Church. He was very proud of his two grandchildren, Dr. C. J. Dabiero and Brianne Dabiero. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Marietta (Vaccaro) Berardelli, two brothers, Bruno and Ottorino Berardelli, a sister, Saveria Berardelli, and by his brother-in-law, Pietro Vaccaro. He was so thankful he was able to prosper in the United States of America. His generosity to his family and friends knew no bounds. Our parents gave us a wonderful rich Italian heritage, cherished memories, and most of all beautiful friends. "Thank you mommy and daddy for giving us the best of both worlds. We are forever grateful to our Lord and Savior for all of our blessings." Surviving are his children; Paul A. (Carolyn) Berardelli of Monessen, two daughters, Angela Marisa Berardelli of Greensburg and Sandy (Carmen) Dabiero of Lexington, KY, two grandchildren, C.J. Dabiero and finace' Rebecca of Cary, NC and Brianne Dabiero of Atlanta, GA, two brothers, Francesco (Elda) Berardelli of Toronto, Canada and Giuseppe (Elena) Berardelli of San Mango D'Aquino, Italy, a sister-in-law, Catherine Vaccaro of Monessen, and by many nieces and nephews throughout Monessen, Canada, and Italy that he loved very much. Friends will be received on Tuesday from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm in the Dalfonso-Billick Funeral Home Inc. and Cremation Services, 441 Reed Avenue. Services will be held on Wednesday, beginning with a Blessing Service at 12:30 pm in the funeral home, followed by a 1:00 pm Funeral Mass in Epiphany of Our Lord Church, with Fr. Michael J. Crookston officiating. Entombment will follow in Grandview Cemetery Mausoleum, Monessen. The family would like to thank Dr. Thomas DeGregory and Heartland Hospice for all their care and support. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Westmoreland Manor Patient Recreation Fund. Condolences accepted for the family at www.dalfonso-billick.com.
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