Mario J. Violante Sr., D.D.S., 91, of Lewiston, NY, passed away on Monday April 6, 2009 at Mt. St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston, NY. Born November 19, 1917 in Niagara Falls, NY he was the son of the late Mariano and Epifania (Leone) Violante.

Mario was a lifelong resident of the Niagara Falls area. He attended local schools and graduated from Niagara Falls High School. He later attended Niagara University where he earned his BA Degree in Biology, and in 1944, earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Dr. Violante served in the United States Army during World War II as a First Lieutenant with the Army Dental Corp, and was stationed in the Philippines in the Pacific Theatre until his honorable discharge as a Captain. On June 14, 1943 he married Margaret M. (Centofanti) Violante in St. Joseph's Church in Niagara Falls, NY. Dr. Violante practiced dentistry in Niagara Falls for forty five years until his retirement in the late 1980's.

Dr. Violante was a member of the Niagara Falls, Niagara County and 8th District Dental Society. He was also a member of the North End Kiwanis Club, and proud founding member of the former Bishop Duffy Father's Club. In his leisure time Mario enjoyed playing racquetball and paddleball at the Niagara Falls YMCA. He was also an avid golfer and longtime member of the Niagara Falls Country Club. Mario's passion for language inspired him to study and become fluent in six different foreign languages. He was also very gifted and artistic with his hands, and took great pleasure in cooking as well as painting with oils and acrylics.

In addition to his wife of sixty five years, Dr. Violante is survived by five sons; Hon. Michael J. (Joan) Violante of Niagara Falls, NY, Dr. Mario J. (Lois) Violante Jr. of Youngstown, NY, Hon. Mark (Gail) Violante of Niagara Falls, NY, Dr. Matthew (Annette) Violante of Lakewood Ranch, FL, Marshall (Victoria) Violante of Chicago, IL and was predeceased by one son Martin P. (Susan of Niagara Falls, NY) Violante. Survivors also include his twenty one grandchildren; Dr. Marc Violante, Kristen (Jeff) Baligian, Michael (Shannon) Violante, Mitchell Violante, Dr. Mario (Pamela) Violante, Dr. Jude (Allison) Violante, Olivia Violante, Dr. Nicholas (Melissa) Violante, Marre Violante, Timothy Violante, Peter Violante, Mark Violante, Eva Violante, Mia Violante, Maria Violante, Marten Rose Violante, Matthew Violante, Anthony Violante, Joseph Violante, Audriana Violante and Marshall Violante, six great-grandchildren; Sophia, Mario, Isabella, Jude, Luke and Varkis, one sister Rose (late Dr. Jerald) Ferritto of Grove City, OH as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call on Wednesday from 3-8 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY. Family and friends are invited to attend a Rite of Christian Burial on Thursday April 9th at 10 a.m. in St. Peter's Church, 620 Center Street, Lewiston, NY with Rev. Sebastian Pierro officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to St. Mary's Hospital 5300 Military Road Lewiston, NY 14092 or Niagara Catholic High School 520 66th Street Niagara Falls, NY 14304