Mario Louis Pirastru, 54, formerly of Niagara Falls, NY died on Monday May 25, 2009 in Valley Hospital, Las Vegas, NV. Born on February 1, 1955 in Niagara Falls, NY he was the son of Mario J. and Marie S. (Ferro) Pirastru of Niagara Falls, NY.

Mario attended local schools and graduated from the former Bishop Duffy High School in 1973. He was employed by the City of Niagara Falls and later by the Niagara Falls City Inspection Department. In 1976, he moved to Las Vegas, NV at the age of 21 where he has since remained a Nevada resident. Mario had a genuine love and passion for the gaming industry and landed his first job as a craps dealer at the Horseshoe Casino. From there he built a lifelong successful career in gaming with the Boyd Gaming Group. Mario had an avid interest in all sports but mainly he enjoyed hunting and playing golf. Despite living in Las Vegas, he remained a loyal Buffalo Bills fan and always rooted for his hometown team. He also had a keen interest in politics, game shows and crossword puzzles. One of the most special qualities Mario had was his sense of humor. He could make a whole room full of people laugh hysterical without even trying. He had a kind and gentle heart and was deeply loved by his family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Mario is also survived by his wife Cecelia A. (Tropea) Pirastru, two sons Mario Pirastru and Nicholas Pirastru both of Las Vegas, NV; two sisters Michele Pirastru D'Angelo and Marisa (Sam) Gara both of Niagara Falls, NY; four nieces and one nephew Cara D'Angelo, Joseph D'Angelo, Alyssa Gara, Lucille Chiusano and Cassandra MacLane; one sister-in-law Mary (Frank) Rick of Brooklyn, NY and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Friends may call from 1 – 4 and 6 – 9 p.m. on Friday at the M.J.COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday May 30th at 10 a.m. in Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph Parish at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 27th Street and Independence Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. William Allegretto, CM officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH. Interment in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. Flowers are graciously declined. Donations may be made in Mario L. Pirastru's memory to the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Building Restoration Fund, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY 14301 or to a charity of one's choice.