Mario Francis Callara

Mario Francis Callara of Medina, NY, age 94, passed away on Thursday, March 9th, 2017. He was born in Medina, on February 13, 1923 to Peter James and Rose (Grossi) Callara. He married Margaret M. Barnes of Lockport, NY on January 3, 1948. Mario and Margaret just happily celebrated 69 years of marriage. Mario served in the United States Navy during WWII. His passion in life was cars. He started his own auto collision repair business on East Center Street in Medina. From there, he went on to manage the auto body collision shop at Barton Oldsmobile in Lockport until his retirement. After his retirement, Mario and Margaret spent their winters in Florida. Mario also enjoyed spending time with his family, camping, fishing, swimming, yard work and walks along the Erie Canal Towpath. He is survived by his beloved wife Margaret Callara; his children, Bonnie Callara, Richard Callara and Diane Schnackel; his grandchildren, Joseph and James Callara, Tracy Callara, Jill Weston, Brooke (Ralph) Duryea, Courtney (Clay) Morgan, Zachary (Sara) Schnackel, Kayleigh (Zachary) Teachey; great-grandchildren, Alexander Callara, Conner and Adelyn Duryea, and Camden Morgan; sister-in-laws, Charlotte (Barnes) Blewett and Joy Barnes; special nephew, Vincent VanDetta; several nieces and nephews. He is preceded by his siblings, Violenta Callara (who died as an infant), Josephine VanDetta, Mary Stornelli, Jacob Callara, Viola Armstrong, Frank Callara and Anthony Callara. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, March 14, at St. Mary's Church in Medina, celebrated by The Rev. Daniel J. Fawls. Military honors will be accorded at the church following the Mass by members of Lincoln Post #1483, VFW and Butts Clark Post #204, American Legion. A private family committal will be held later in the week at St. Mary's Cemetery for his inurnment in the family columbarium. "Fly high with the angels, Dad. We will always love you."