Southbridge: Mario Piccione, 83, of Harrington Rd., Charlton, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 24 ^th in the Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT, after an illness.

He was predeceased by his companion of many years, Rita M. Naratelli in 2015.   He leaves his brother, Frank Piccione of Canterbury, CT; his sister, Mary Taylor of Savanah, GA; his step daughter, Pamela Moynagh of Madison, CT; his close cousin, Anna Piccione Mercure of Charlton; and many nieces and nephews.  He was born in Southbridge the son of Gregorio and
Anna (Summa) Piccione.  Mario served in the US Army as a paratrooper in the 82 ^nd Airborne Division.

Mario owned and operated Mario's Restaurant in Southbridge.  He started the restaurant in 1967 and continued to run the restaurant until his very recent illness. Mario was a former member of the Southbridge Town Council.  He was a member of the American Legion and the Leonide J. Lemire post 6055 of the VFW, both in Southbridge.  He was also a member of the Southbridge Optimist Club.

Calling hours for Mario will be held on Saturday, Nov. 13 ^th , from 9:00am to 11:00am in the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, with a service to follow in the funeral home at 11:00am.  Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Second Chance Animal Center, 111 Young Rd., East Brookfield, MA 01515 or online at www.secondchanceanimals.org .