Mario Salvatore

Mario Salvatore, 81, of Reading, passed away January 22, 2017.

Born in Reading, he was the son of the late John and Theresa (DiSei) Salvatore. Mario was a fighter and after years of battling heart disease, stroke and cancer he decided it was time to say farewell. He died surrounded by his loving family.

Mario and his wife Gerry were married on June 1, 1957 at St. Mary's Church in Reading. They both loved to travel and shortly after they were married they lived in Heidelberg, Germany where he was stationed during his service in the Army. Heidelberg was always a special place to him and was the starting point for their marriage of almost 60 years and kindled the spirit of adventure throughout their lives.

He worked at Pennsylvania Optical for over 40 years before his retirement in 1995.

Mario was an avid baseball fan and played for Penn Optical and South End softball teams. He had no qualms rooting for both the Yankees and the Phillies and always pulled for the underdog. He enjoyed his weekly bus trip to the casino and could never get enough of Frank Sinatra singing his favorite song "My Way".

He was especially proud of his family and loved children especially his nieces and nephews. Most recently Mario has relished the role of great uncle and watching the next generation of his family blossom.

Mario is preceded in death by his sisters Angie (Caruso) and Evelyn; his brothers Nicholas, Joseph, John, Louis, and William. He is survived by his wife Geraldine (Galczynski); son Christopher, husband of Maria (Kozlowski); his sister Mary (Fuoco); and his brother Vincent. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. Catharine of Siena R. C. Church, 2427 Perkiomen Ave., Mt. Penn, PA 19606, with entombment to follow at Gethsemane Mausoleum. Friends may call one hour prior to the Mass. Contributions may be made in Mario's name to: Doctors Without Borders USA, P.O. Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5030. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.