Dr. Mario J. Violante Jr., 76, a dentist in Niagara County for over 40 years, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on August 8, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Niagara Falls, NY he was the son of the late Dr. Mario J. Violante Sr. and Margaret (Centofanti) Violante; and the beloved husband of Lois (Tomlinson) Violante who he married in 1971 at St. Mary's Church in Patton, PA.

Mario graduated from Bishop Duffy High School.  He attended Alliance College and earned his Bachelor's degree from John Carroll University. He earned his Master's degree in Biochemistry from Niagara University and obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University at Buffalo in 1976.

Mario joined his father in practicing dentistry in Niagara Falls in 1976.  He was a longtime member of the American Dental Association and the Eighth District Dental Society.

Mario was an avid golfer and current member of the Niagara Falls Country Club, as well as the 3F Club in Youngstown, NY. He enjoyed wine making and cooking. He also loved riding his bike and ensuring that his bird feeders were always full.  Above all, Dr. Violante cherished the time spent with his loving family.

In addition to his wife of 53 years, Mario is survived by his children, Dr. Mario (Pamela) Violante III, Dr. Jude (Allison) Violante, Olivia (Andrew) Violante-Cerrone, Dr. Nicholas (Melissa) Violante, Marre (Alex) Benoit, Dr. Timothy (Molly) Violante, Peter A. (Kathleen) Violante; his grandchildren, Sophia Rose, Mario Joseph IV and Isabella Alfreda Rose Violante, Jude Gabriel, Luke Gerald, and Margaret Rae Violante, Nicholas Giuseppe and Scarlett Francesca Violante, Maxwell Alexander, Tucker William and Charley Albert Benoit, Lilah James and Lucy Olivia Violante, and Peter Joseph Violante; three brothers, Michael J., Esq. (Joan) Violante, Hon. Mark (Gail) Violante and Marshall (fiance' Beth) Violante, as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, Martin P. (Susan) Violante and Dr. Matthew (Annette) Violante.

Visitation will be on Monday, August 12 from 9:30 – 11 AM at St. Peter's RC Church, 620 Center Street, Lewison, NY followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Internment will be held privately in St. Bernard's Cemetery, Youngstown, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to Heart, Love and Soul Food Bank, 930 Ontario Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY 14305 or the Sisters of St. Francis Mission in Mexico (checks may be made to the Sister of St. Francis Development Fund) Advancement Office, Sisters of St. Francis, 4421 Lower River Rd., Stella Niagara, NY 14144. Arrangements by M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.