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The obituary notice of Mario FINELLI

Cardiff (Caerdydd), 12/09/1938 - 01/10/2025 (Age 87) | Published in: South Wales Echo.

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MarioFINELLIMario passed away at Llandough Hospital on 1st October following a period of illness after a stroke. Born in Italy in 1938, Mario came to the UK in 1960 and later opened the first Italian restaurant in Cardiff - The Positano. Other restaurants followed including Casa Mia and Da Mario. Mario did a degree in Italian Literature as a mature student at Cardiff University but his passion was music and many of his friends, family and customers will have been entertained by Mario when he played the keyboard or the accordion. Mario was married to Susan, who passed away in 2017, for 52 years. He will be very much missed by his daughter, Paola, his son-in-law, David and his grandson, Zac. He will also be remembered by his sister-in-law, Anne, and his nieces, Silvia, Loretta and Felicity and his nephew, Rod and all their families of whom Mario was both very fond and proud. A service to celebrate Mario's life will be held on Friday 17th October at 12.30pm at Thornhill Crematorium. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations to either the Stroke Association or Cancer Research are appreciated.
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Published: 10/10/2025
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I am incredibly proud to have had Mario as my uncle, a true Italian gentleman whose entrepreneurial spirit and passion for hospitality left a lasting mark on me and everyone who knew him. Working in his restaurants over the years taught me so much about genuine customer service, warmth, and looking after people the right way.

I’ll always treasure childhood memories of long family lunches filled with laughter, stories, and the most amazing food cooked by my Auntie Sue, as well as our unforgettable holidays together on the Amalfi Coast with sunshine, good food, and family.

It brings comfort knowing they’re now together again, at peace, Grazie, Mario for everything. You’ll be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Rod Hill
11/10/2025
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Tribute photo for Mario FINELLI
Rod Hill
11/10/2025
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Mario was laterly my patient in Cardiff University Optometrists but I have known him for years from Casa Mia where amongst many nights there he was lovely helping celebrate my late Mum and late Dad's anniversary...He was a lovely , gentle , funny man and I wish his daughter Paulo ( who i used to go to school with) and rest of his family my dear Condolences..Your mum and dad are reunited in heaven ❤️ together..
Regards Emma Daniel-Davies xx
EMMA DANIEL DAVIES
10/10/2025
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EMMA DANIEL DAVIES
10/10/2025
My dear friend ,I shall miss you ❤️
Sue Brooks
10/10/2025
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Sue Brooks
10/10/2025
Tribute photo for Mario FINELLI
funeral-notices.co.uk
10/10/2025
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