Mario Dardes, 76, of Lockport, NY and formerly of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at his residence. Born on May 16, 1945 in Rapolla, Potenza, Italy, he was the son of the late Antonio and Angelina Dardes.

In 1965, Mario enlisted into the Italian Army until his honorable discharge in 1967. Following his discharge, he moved to Niagara Falls, Ontario to live with his sister, Esterina and her husband, Biago. In 1969, Mario met Tomasina (Parisi) and moved to Niagara Falls, NY shortly after their marriage.

Mario was a skilled auto mechanic and specialized in numerous foreign cars, most notably Volkswagens, Fiats and MGs. In the 1970's he began working at Amendola Volkswagen followed by Granville Motors, and R & B Motors. In 1981 he established Mario's Foreign Car Garage on Pine Avenue and later relocated his shop to 18 ^th Street. He joined the Niagara County Highway Department in Lockport, NY in 1998 where he continued to serve as an auto mechanic until retiring in 2013. Mario will be remembered as one of the best mechanics in the area. He took great pride in his work and never overcharged his customers.

Following his retirement, Mario lived a simple, quiet life in Lockport, and enjoyed tending to his garden as well as spending time at the Ransomville Speedway. He also enjoyed reading the newspaper every day and listening to Italian Radio. Above all, Mario enjoyed spending time with his family especially his two sons, Thomas and Mark.

Mario is survived by his son, Mark (Julie Migliazzo) Dardes, his sister Dorila Gullo; his nephew and niece, John (Lisa) and Lucia Stante. He was predeceased by his former wife, Tomasina, his son Thomas Dardes, his daughter-in-law, Michelle McNamara Dardes and his siblings, Enrico Dardes, Felice Dardes and Esterina (late Biago) Stante.

In accordance of Mario's wishes, private funeral services will be held with interment to follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Arrangements by M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.