Sir, you were a wonderful, humble, big hearted, and a kind man. You did your best to ameliorate those around you as well as provided them with a better life. You were a hero and may you go in peace, hero.
The last memory of Mario has been wonderful. Just to see his face light up, eyes brighten, and a big smile spreading over his face, was the most beautiful experience of our long trip last year. The photo of him and Bice sitting next to each other is one of the most inspiring photos ever to demonstrate the love they shared.
It was a great privilege to have known Mr. Mario. He was always very kind and polite to me. Always smiling! He would always say something in Italian that was funny. A person of integrity and solid values that were passed on to his descendants.
May you make heaven smile with your captivating smile, Mr. Mario. Rest in peace.
We were blessed to have met Mario years ago in Carlsbad through our dear friends Marta and Stefano from the Focolare Movement.
Once Mario learned we were from Brazil, he never missed a chance to share a joke about soccer, playfully bringing up past World Cup matches between Italy and Brazil. Knowing my family comes from Veneto, he would always speak to us in Italian and tease us about the friendly rivalry between the north and south of Italy. Conversations with him were always lively, often adding humor in his reflections on politics and life.
Mario had many talents that we had the privilege to experience, like his artistry that lives on in our home through two beautiful ceramic pieces he gifted us—treasured gifts that remind us of him every day. And then, there was his cooking! One summer, Mario treated us to his homemade pizzas. Wow! The flavors, the perfect dough, and the unforgettable pear-and-prosciutto combination came together as one of the best pizzas we’ve ever had! And, of course, his famous "crostata di marmellata", a dessert crafted with love and true Italian mastery.
Mario’s warmth, wit, and generosity left a lasting mark on our hearts. He will be deeply missed, but we take comfort in believing he is now enjoying the fullness of life in the presence of God. May his soul rest in peace.
Claudia Sbardelotto & The Dos Santos Family
Mario always had an artistic side, as a youngster he helped in his father's bakery in Castel Verde (Cremona) preparing and packaging desserts such as tarts (the famous “crostata”), bundt cakes (Ciambelloni), and puddings. He later found work in Rome at the ACEA, the major provider of electricity in Italy at that time, which brought him closer to his then fiancée’ Bice where he stayed at the home of Bice’s parents, the Pieraccinis.
This marked the beginning of a partnership between Mario and Bice, in which Mario created ceramic pieces, and Bice painted them. The process involved two phases: first, an object was modeled by Mario and fired in the kiln at elevated temperatures. The ceramic was then enameled, complete with a sprayed crystalline layer and fired again at a lower temperature with a slow cool to obtain the final product. Their first piece, created around 1955, was a bust-shaped vase of a woman, inspired in part by the renowned early 20th-century artist Amedeo Modigliani, a famous Italian sculptor (1884–1920) they admired.
Shortly after, Bice’s Uncle Fulvio introduced Mario to Microlanda a firm headquartered in Naples, where he began working in the purchasing office. After getting married in 1956 and moving to Naples, with their modest savings, Mario and Bice quickly purchased a ceramic kiln. They then began creating many pieces, which were gifted to friends and family and sold in art boutiques in popular tourist destinations such as Capri and Ischia. When possible, these profits were used to enjoy an occasional meal at local “trattorias” with their little son, Fulvio, who was born in 1957. At the beginning, Mario focused on making vases and plates, which then Bice painted. Some of these included faces of youths that resembled the painting style of the great Florentine Renaissance artist Sandro Botticelli (1445-1510). Gradually, these evolved into a wide range of utilitarian as well as decorative objects such as candelabras, chalices, and decorative wall-art such as representations of fishes and owls. A particularly unique piece was a three-dimensional ceramic miniature model of a Ford Model T car. This intricate artistic rendition of this car involved the pre-fabrication of many of the car’s components and accessories and then its assembly using a mixture of clay and water (also known as “Barbotine”).
Mario also created modern-accented objects inspired by his dear friend and famous Neapolitan sculptor Antonio Borrelli (1928–2014). Among these works were three decorative “ceramic grilles” designed to cover outdoor lights that were commissioned by his friend’s Antonio Giardina for his house. These were composed of a large cylindrical panel structure that Mario cleverly assembled on a halved surface of a large detergent cardboard box: Mario would often architect crafty ways to model the clay for his creations - he never made use of a turntable! These unique ceramic grilles recall the well-known abstract-geometric methods employed by Borelli and found in his “spatial-structure” sculptures. These modern accents were also incorporated in vases which featured a neck, a face, or a hand. These vases became some of his most appreciated signature pieces. Enthusiastic about Etruscan art, Mario was inspired to creating a series of fighting bulls in various shapes, one of which was simply painted with deep brown shoe polish. Some of their pieces eventually ended up in a museum in Philadelphia (19--?).
His first ceramic piece featuring a bird of prey was an owl made for his brother-in-law, Carl-Alberto. Upon discovering that he had made an error in the shape of the ears, he was not afraid to remake the predatory birds into new pieces with the intent of improving their shape and form to achieve greater realism.
Later, when they lived for ten years in the permanent Mariapolis of Luminosa in Hyde Park, New York, Mario, and Bice continued their artistic work in the ceramic art center. There, they created and sold eclectic art pieces, which were purchased by conference attendees from around the world. These included ornamental items such as mail drop plates featuring Etruscan faces, various plates and ceramic boxes, vases with marine life and abstract forms. Notably, two fish sculptures were sold during an ecumenical gathering of the Rissho Kosei-kai members at Luminosa for $1,000 each. All the profits were donated by Mario and Bice to the movement.
When Mario and Bice later moved to San Diego, Mario devoted himself with Bice to his lifelong passion: ceramics! His creations denote uncommon creativity: his works are timeless and speak to you at many levels. Mario continued working with ceramics, until 2022.
Mario Spagna,
I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your love, your cooking, your sense of humor, etc.
In our calling to the same community, the Focolare, despite the difference in age you treated me as a brother. I cherish many moments together with you: cooking pasta during our monthly retreats while joking and laughing, visiting you and Bice at your beautiful house in San Marco, showing me the beautiful ceramic artwork that you and Bice made,...
I had a very special moment to remember and that's when you and Bice welcomed my parents and me at your place. There you showed your care for me in a special way and you demonstrated what it means to be brothers in Christ.
I have missed you since I moved to Texas. It's a great consolation to know that you are now closer to us spiritually as you are now in our Father's home.
Keep the table ready for when I come to see you!
Count on my prayers for you and your family here on earth.
Mario is everything to me. He is like a second father, an uncle, older brother, spiritual advisor, etc. I had the opportunity of getting close to Mario when they moved to San Diego. His sense of humor is unique. I always pick him up whenever we attend the Focolare meeting in Los Angeles. Mario loves to discuss soccer and politics. So, when at times I get sleepy while driving, I engaged him in talking Italian politics. He will get soo excited that at times he talks to me in Italian. I remind him every now and then that I do not speak Italian. I love his cooking expertise, especially his pasta. Like a father he always gives me food to bring to my family once I drop him off from our drive to Los Angeles. At one point he was persistent/forceful in giving me money when my family was struggling with our finances. I’m sure Mario is now in heaven with his creator.
I will deeply miss Mario. Rest in peace my friend!
I am privileged to know Mr Spagna as extended family through Cristina and my brother, Gerry. He is proof to me that charm knows no boundaries. Whether you were a kid or an adult, spoke Italian or English, with him at home or in a restaurant, Mr Spagna made you and every person with him feel special. He seemed to me to be simply delighted with life! His most common facial expression, as I think of him, was … amusement, or perhaps mischief, to entertain himself. In this mood, he’d pull someone aside, sometimes a grandchild, and sometimes even a restaurant chef, and enlist them in a scheme that would bring delight to those around him.
As I think recall Mr Spagna’s regimen of daily walks and daily Mass, I see a man who himself was charmed by his beautiful and interesting wife, each of their impressive children as they grew into adults, my sister-in-law included, his dynamic grandchildren, on their own way into life, and the Lord’s handiwork in us all.
What a privilege to know him.
Al mio amico Mario che, anche se i momenti trascorsi insieme non sono stati molti, inseme a Bice, mi ha accolto come una figlia, regalato risate, affetto e la preziosa arte dell'ronia, preparato le crostate più buone del mondo, raccontato le storie della sua vita, dato consigli importanti sul lavoro, insegnato l'entusiasmo per il nuovo, trasmesso l'importanza di coltivare una passione...
Grazie per tutto, ti voglio bene!
Sarai un angelo in più che ci guarda dall'altra parte.
Luce
I want to share that I first met Mario and Bice when they moved to Long Island, New York and we were connected through the Focolare movement. Mario was always welcoming and with positive attitude.
Q: How did you meet Mario?
A: I met Mario e Bicce through the Focolare Movement up at Luminosa; they were always wonderful and a very important part of our FOCOLARE/LUMINOSA FAMILY!!!! He always invited us to join himself and Bicce to their house at Luminosa for wonderful pizza; I remember so very well when they got a real pizza brick oven in their house and we were always invited for the BEST PIZZA IN THE ENTIRE STATE OF NEW YORK!!!
Because I was interpreter for the ITALIAN SOCCER TEAM DURING THE 1994 WORLD CUP, Mario would FOREVER TEASE ME WHENEVER HE SAW ME UP AT LUMINOSA SAYING: "Kisheri, the Italians LOST BECAUSE OF YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What a great guy you were, MARIO; A GIFT TO US ALL!!
Offro queste foto del mio suocero Mario, determinato, entusiasta, generoso, indulgente, umile ed elegante, che è stato e continua ad essere fonte di ispirazione per me e per tanti altri. Possa riposare nella Pace eterna.
I offer these photos of my determined, enthusiastic, generous, forgiving, humble and elegant father-in-law Mario, who has been and continues to be a source of inspiration to me and so many others. May he rest in eternal Peace.
“ Carissima Bice, carissime Giovanna e Cristina, carissimi Fulvio e Stefano,
prima attraverso un post di Giovanna e poi attraverso i canali del Focolare ho saputo della partenza di Mario. Sono con voi in questo momento di dolore e prego per lui e per voi. Per me si aggiunge un senso di gratitudine e di bei ricordi di tanti incontri con lui e con voi, forse più di altri il periodo in cui eravamo coinquilini nella casa di Middle Village. Tanti cari saluti e un abbraccio a ciascuna e ciascuno di voi, Joseph”
I was fortunate to have lived at Mariapolis Luminosa during the time that Mario was there.
The first thing that comes to mind when I remember our time together is the generosity, joy, and family atmosphere he created.
I was taking care of a group of youth from different countries, and Mario would often invite us to his house, where he had a pizza oven. He worked diligently the day before to prepare the dough, and on the day of the gathering, he dedicated all his time to cooking pizza for everyone!
He also knew various restaurant owners in the area, and at times, he would treat the youth to a meal. It was always an opportunity to bring the spirit of unity to those around him. Once, a restaurant owner felt so at home with us that he began singing—he had been an opera singer!
Mario had a special gift for connecting with young people. His joyful humor created such a warm and welcoming family atmosphere.
His passion for managing a company where profits helped the poor was both an example and an inspiration. I learned so much from Mario and am deeply grateful to God for having brought our paths together.
Nick Cianfarani (Atlanta GA)
We first met Mr. Spagna through Cristina and Gerry 30+ years ago. Mr. Spagna quickly endeared himself to us through his gentle, friendly manner and warm, radiant smile. Over the years, we celebrated various holidays and special occasions together, and enjoyed many visits with one another whenever we were in town. Some of our fondest memories of time spent with him include, sharing lovingly prepared meals together, going to mass as an extended family, and lively conversations. He was truly a kind, gentle soul, so full of love and grace.
Sending our deepest condolences, love, and prayers. May you find comfort in all the cherished memories you have of him.
Love,
Nancy and Steve Maida
I am so sorry! It is very difficult to lose a father! Our hearts go out to you.
I know that for your father this is at last his liberation from all of the suffering of living in an aging and ailing body in this world of troubles – and for this, we greatly rejoice and give thanks to God!
But at the same time, we know that this leaves such a hole in your heart and the hearts of all who have known and loved him. It is a time of great grief for your mother especially, and for the whole family. We are praying that the "God of all comfort" (2 Corinthians 1:3) will be very near to you during this time, and that he might give you His peace and joy even in the midst of your grief as you think of your father's faith finally becoming sight! He is with his Savior at last!
I only had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Spagna a few times, but from the many stories and memories shared, it’s clear he was a wonderful man, father, friend, and grandfather.
One memory from my childhood that stands out that I’d like to share. During a visit to the Spagna home, Mr. Spagna was watching a soccer match on TV while I dribbled a toy soccer ball around the living room, mimicking the players on the TV. Despite likely blocking his view, Mr. Spagna didn’t mind the inconvenience. Instead, he cheered me on, celebrating both the real match and the imaginary match in his living room.
Sending our deepest condolences, love, and prayers from Massachusetts.
With love,
Mark, Kseniya, Ava, and Quinn Maida
Ho tanti ricordi anch'io di Mario. Grazie a Fulvio e Stefano sono stato anche di casa in alcune occasioni. Se penso a Mario (e Bice) ho l'immagine di un Patriarca che nella mia memoria si affianca ad altre figure a noi molto care come Ugo Rodolico, Antonio Giardina, Michele Mangoni, quando incontravi uno di loro era come essere al sicuro, non so come dire. E con Mario ti sembrava di essere anche suo amico anche se con tanti anni di differenza. E poi le penne alla George Washington, il primo TVcolor, la Volvo che ci regalò che era lunga quanto un camion… le ceramiche di Bice. Ragazzi vi voglio bene e prego per papà. @Fulvio Spagna @Giovanna Spagna @Stefano Spagna @Cristina Spagna Maida
Alfredo Scognamiglio
Ciao Giovanna, Fulvio, stefano e Cristina, che notizia!!! Ricordo Mario con immenso affetto. Io. all’epoca vivevo a Bari, ma quando venivo a Napoli, e capitava spesso, la vostra casa mi ha sempre accolto con affetto. Ho visto Mario, l’ultima volta, ai Castelli. Ero andato con Turi a salutarlo ed abbiamo passato qualche ora insieme. Sempre molto vivace, arguto e con un cuore grande. Dal Paradiso Mario continuerà ad amarvi e proteggervi così come ha fatto quando era quaggiù con noi. Un forte abbraccio a Bice ed a voi il mio più grande affetto. Franco Magno
“ Ci sono degli avvenimenti che ti toccano profondamente e che al dolore associano anche la gioia di sapere che un altro fratello ce l'ha fatta e che sicuramente ci farà da guida per poterci incontrare di nuovo. Questo è uno di quelli. Ciao Mario
Leonardo”
“ Questa notte è partito per il Cielo Mario Spagna, focolarino sposato, che insieme a Bice, e al resto della famiglia Spagna (Fulvio, Giovanna, Cristina e Stefano) hanno rappresentato un punto di riferimento importante per tanti di noi della zona di Napoli e Bari. Da tanti anni, Mario e Bice vivevano negli Stati Uniti e hanno anche dato il loro importante contributo alla cittadella dell'Opera lì. Negli ultimi anni, Mario si era ammalato e il suo spirito sempre brillante e arguto aveva perso lucidità e aveva conosciuto grandi sofferenze. Il Signore lo ha colto nel sonno, come un frutto maturo, per prenderlo con sé nella Mariapoli Celeste, dove ora è nella pace.
Paola D’Angelo”
“ Saluto la persona dal tratto gentile che ora è finalmente nella verità e nella luce , e abbraccio Bice e i figli con commossa partecipazione
Marcella”
“ Di nuovo giovane,bello ,intelligente senza la tenda d argilla che lo teneva prigioniero, così io lo vedo avvolto dall amore di Dio. Servo buono e fedele vieni nella gioia del tuo Signore! E tutti gli altri con lui ! Festa grande !
Renata”
“ Carissimi Giovanna, Fulvio, Cristina, Stefano vi porgo le mie più vive e sincere condoglianze da estendere a mamma Bice e intera famiglia per la partenza di
papà Mario che dal Cielo continuerà ad essere un faro per voi e per tutti coloro che hanno avuto la possibilità di conoscerlo in vita. Assicuro preghiere.
Con affetto
Concettina”
“ Cara Cistina, il tuò papà ti ha detto "andiamo", perché era arrivato il suo momento di andare dal nostro Padre che è nei cieli. Che il Signore lo abbia in gloria. Ti abbraccio forte, così come abbraccio la tua mamma.
Maria Rosaria Alfuso”
“ Cristina come mi dispiace era un uomo d'altri tempi un gran Signore, sono sicura che è con Dio e i suoi Angeli che vegli su di Voi Dai un grande abbraccio a tutti in particolare a mamma tvb
Cinzia Senese”
“ Carissimi Bice, Fulvio, Giovanna, Cristina e Stefano,
Mi unisco al vostro dolore e a quello di tanti che hanno conosciuto il carissimo Mario, marito e padre che ha lasciato un segno importantissimo soprattutto nelle vostre vite, ma anche in quelle di tanti, tra le quali la mia, per la sua capacità di farsi padre, fratello e amico.
Uomo generosissimo, dotato di tantissimi talenti, tra i quali quello dell'imprenditorialità, che, una volta conosciuta la proposta di Chiara dell'Economia di comunione, ha subito messo al servizio di questo nuovo modo di creare "ricchezza" al servizio del prossimo.
Non so perché, ma da ieri, quando mi è arrivata la notizia della sua partenza da questa terra, mi è venuto in mente un aggettivo da associare a Mario: lui per me è stato un focolarino "beat", perchè non era un conformista, sempre all'avanguardia, sapeva stare con i giovani, era una persona "viva", sempre con nuove idee.
Grazie Mario, grazie a voi tutti, a te Bice che per tantissimi anni gli sei stata fedele, fino alla fine e grazie a voi quattro che ne siete la degna continuazione. Siatene fieri di aver avuto un padre così!
Un abbraccione ad ognuno di voi, a Bice in particolare!
Gege’ Lamagna”
“Cara Cristina, proprio ieri sera io e Dora siamo stati a messa alla Basilica di S.Antonio, ed ho dedicato una preghiera a Bice e Mario.
Non puoi immaginare con quale dolore apprendo questa triste notizia e anche se non ci vedevamo da molti anni, sentiremo ancora di più la sua mancanza.
Ricorderemo per sempre una persona di grande spessore e di infinita bontà verso il prossimo.
Una persona che merita rispetto dal profondo del cuore..
Enzo e Dora Esposito”
“Carissimi Bice, Fulvio, Giovanna, Cristina, Stefano, Lucia mi ha detto che il Signore ha chiamato Mario alla vita senza fine. Lui è nella nostra preghiera e nel nostro cuore. Quanta gratitudine per avervi incontrato, quanta stima e affetto, quanto aiuto a incontrare il Signore dalla vita e dal sorriso di Mario. Il Signore aiuti ciascuno di voi a fare esperienza della sua vicinanza che continua nel Signore. A lui chiediamo di pregare per voi le vostre famiglie, per tutti noi, per chi soffre nel mondo, perché diveniamo uomini nuovi capaci di amare. Grazie perché ci siete.
- Donatella (Abignente)”
Dearest Bice and family, heartfelt condolences and loving prayers. Certainly Mario was welcomed in Heaven right away. With much love and gratitude,
Lucia and Bob Yantosca (Boston)
Mario's life had a great impact on mine. I was fortunate to have had the chance to work closely with him and Bice for more than 8 years in their Economy of Communion business, Active Inc. Mario's passion to manage a company where profits can help those in need was contagious and inspiring to all those around him. I learned a lot from Mario and am grateful to God for giving me the chance to share in his and Bice's journey. I send my condolences to Bice, Giovanna, Fulvio, Cristina and Stefano. May he rest in peace. His life will continue to bring light to many!
