Mario J. Colucci, 89 of Niagara Falls, NY passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 10, 2016 at Mt. St. Mary's Hospital. Born in Niagara Falls, NY he was the son of the late Giovanni and Giuseppina (Imperatore) Colucci.

Mario was a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls, NY and attended local schools. He received his high school diploma in 1947 from Trott Vocational in Niagara Falls, NY and graduated from the McAllister School of Mortuary Science in New York City in 1949. On July 1, 1950, he married Josephine Muscarella at St. Joseph's Church. Mrs. Colucci predeceased him on January 12, 2004.

During World War II, he served in the United States Navy in France, England, Germany and Holland from January 1945 until his honorable discharge in June 1946.

In 1958, Mario established the M.J. Colucci Funeral Chapel located on 19th Street in Niagara Falls and served the community for 56 years. In 2004, he was very proud when his son expanded to open their new funeral chapel located in the Town of Niagara. Mario was a member of the Erie-Niagara Funeral Directors Association, New York State Funeral Directors Association, and the National Funeral Directors Association.

Mario was a faithful, longstanding member of St. Joseph's Church in Niagara Falls, NY, where he served as an usher and also a member of the parishes St. Vincent de Paul Society and Holy Name Society of which he was formerly president. In addition, he was a member of the Cristoforo Colombo Society, Knights of Columbus Council #247, and the Italian Sons & Daughters of America. He was also a member Nick's Como Gourmet Club, where he frequently enjoyed a good meal with the comradery of his friends.

Mario enjoyed playing cards with friends, but most important to him was spending time with his family.

Mario is survived by his son, John C. and his wife, Nancy A. (Gruppo) Colucci of Lewiston and one grandson, Mario J. and his wife, Jillian (Shank) Colucci, also of Lewiston; one sister, Margaret (late Pasquale) Rutigliano of Long Beach, California and several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his wife, Mario was predeceased by three brothers, Michael (late Lucy) Colucci, Dominic (Adeline of Niagara Falls) Colucci, Guido (late Verna) Colucci and one sister, Mary (late James) Stuart and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be on Thursday from 2 – 7 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY, where funeral services will begin Friday, April 15th at 9 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Holy Family Parish at St. Joseph's Church, 1413 Pine Ave., Niagara Falls, NY. Entombment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY with Military Honors. Memorials donations may be made to Holy Family Parish at St. Joseph's Church.