Mario Ippolito

Mario Anthony Ippolito was born in Newark, New Jersey on December 29, 1933. He was one of thirteen brothers and sisters, and was the son of Italian immigrants. His father, Gelsomino Ippolito was a longtime member of Toscanini’s symphony orchestra. His mother Mary Inga immigrated to America from Southern Italy as a toddler. He was particularly fond of jazz music, as were his siblings, and would often play it on his piano at home. In his early twenties, he followed the call to adventure and left the east coast for California and took a job as a disc jockey in Calexico, California. It wasn’t long after that he met his wife Norma Huerta Eaton, originally from Mexico City, and eventually settled with her in the beautiful city of San Diego. He had three daughters, owned a Real Estate business, acted in a few commercials, and sold cars in his later years. He thoroughly enjoyed old classic movies, reading biographies of musicians, playing his jazz records and taking long adventurous drives with his family. He spent his last days at home surrounded by his loved ones, and all will fondly remember his spirit and unfailing humor. He is survived by his wife Norma, daughters Rossinna, Gabriella and Dianna, and his four grandchildren, Lili, Autumn, Sophia and Joseph.