Mario Raso Obituary – With deep sorrow, we announce the sudden passing of Mario Joseph Raso, a beloved teacher, mentor, coach, and friend, on September 29, 2024, at the age of 60.
Mario’s death leaves a tremendous void in the hearts of the many who loved him, but his legacy of compassion, dedication, and joy for life will continue to inspire all who knew him.
Born in Calabria, Italy, in 1963, Mario emigrated to Canada with his family at the age of three. He was deeply proud of his Italian heritage and embraced the opportunities of his Canadian home, believing it to be one of the greatest blessings in life. Mario’s love for his family, culture, and community shone through in everything he did.
Mario’s professional career as a teacher spanned over three decades, primarily at St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School, where he was deeply respected for his integrity and unwavering commitment to his students.
Known affectionately as “tough but cool,” Mario was a passionate and engaging educator. He brought out the best in his students, encouraging them to not only succeed academically but to grow as individuals. For many, he was a role model, both in the classroom and beyond.
A dedicated soccer coach, Mario spent over 40 years sharing his love of the game with his students and athletes. Whether coaching rep soccer teams at Sparta, Mt. Hamilton, West-Hamilton, or Ancaster, or leading his high school teams to multiple City Championships and an OFSAA Gold in 2022.
Mario’s priority was to foster a love of the game and ensure his players left the field with smiles on their faces. His coaching was a masterclass in instruction, combining effort with joy, and his influence extended far beyond the pitch.
An accomplished athlete himself, Mario excelled in ball hockey, ice hockey, and soccer, and was an avid road cyclist. Known among his cycling peers as “the king of the mountains,” his remarkable stamina allowed him to cycle over 17,000 kilometers annually during Canada’s short cycling seasons. But as much as Mario loved competition, his greatest joy was setting up others to succeed—a reflection of his generous spirit.
Mario’s love for life and people was evident in his strong friendships, many of which dated back to his childhood on the West Mountain in Hamilton. He cultivated lasting bonds through his involvement in sports, his work at Fortinos, and his roles as a mentor, coach, and teacher. He was a caring son, devoting his Sundays to his father, Vincenzo, after the passing of his beloved mother, Antonietta. Mario became his father’s gardening successor, preserving family traditions and history with pride.
Mario was the second youngest of six siblings: Rosetta, Enzo (Lee), Domenic (Luana), Michelle (Frank) Pagliaro, and Frank (Barbara). He shared genuine friendships with each of them, and his passing has left an irreplaceable hole in their lives. Mario was a cherished uncle to his twelve nieces and nephews and a devoted great uncle to their children, to whom he was known as “great” Uncle Mario in every sense of the word. His love and guidance will continue to shape their lives for years to come.
The final year of Mario’s life was marked by immense challenges, including the loss of his energy and health and the heart-wrenching death of his niece Emily. Yet, Mario never lost his gratitude for the life he had lived or the people who loved him. His resilience and grace in the face of adversity were testaments to his character.
Mario was predeceased by his parents, Vincenzo and Antonietta Raso, and his cherished niece, Emily. He will be profoundly missed by his siblings, extended family, friends, and the countless students, athletes, and colleagues whose lives he touched.