Mario J. Basso, 79, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 7, 2026. Born in Niagara Falls, he was the son of the late Mario and Lucy (DeSantis) Basso, and the beloved husband of the late Marie A. (Meyers) Basso who he married on July 4, 1992.

Mario was a proud graduate of Niagara Falls High School, Class of 1964. He went on to build a long and dedicated career with Laborers Local 91, where he worked for more than 30 years until his retirement in 1998.

Mario was a longtime member of the Cristoforo Colombo Society and a former member of the LaSalle Sportsman’s Club. He enjoyed bowling, motorcycle riding, betting on horse racing, and trap shooting. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family, who brought him his greatest joy.

Mario is survived by his children, Joseph (Colleen) Basso, Robert Basso, Lisa (Robert) Smith, Jeanne (Arvind) Miller, Scott (Jackie) Benton and Brian (Erika) Benton; his grandchildren, Joseph, Anthony, Nickolas, Heather, Gabriella, Stewert, Abram, Justine, Jessica, Josie, Jamie Lea, Lindsay, Shelby and Lauren; his great-grandchildren, Alexxa, Kyler, Sophia, Mercedes, Giana, Frankie, Avaya, Leighland, Kolson and Navy; his sister, Joann Whitehead, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be on Friday, February 13 from 4 – 7 PM at M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY, where funeral services will begin on Saturday, February 14 at 10:00 AM. Entombment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to Niagara Hospice at niagarahospice.org. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.