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MARIO LAWRENCE PALMIRO TOLLIS Mario Lawrence Palmiro Tollis, having been born in Pacentro, Italy, on March 29, 1920, passed away at the age of 100 on May 3, 2020. Mario was preceded in death by his parents, Carlo Albert Tollis and Teresa Anna Tollis; his sister, Angela; and brothers, Carl, Floyd and Lawrence. Having moved around several times, Mario came to settle for the majority of his life in Coraopolis, PA. Before entering the Army and then after being discharged, he took part-time and evening courses at the Carnegie Institute of Technology and De Sellem School of Building Trades, successfully acquiring diplomas in both brick laying and masonry. Mario served with the 1st Infantry Division ("The Big Red One") in the United States Army during WWII and was first trained as a light truck driver. He finished his military occupational specialty as a cook operating in the field range preparing food for troops as well as supervising over other cooks. His unit traveled through Algeria-French Morocco, Ardennes, Central Europe, Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Sicily and Tunisia, earning him the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with eight bronze stars and his Good Conduct Medal. He was a skilled Marksman on the 30 cal. rifle. Mario was also fluent in Italian and aided as an interpreter during his time overseas. After being Honorably Discharged as a Technician Fifth Grade from the Army, he returned to the USA and worked for such construction companies as Anthony Linguanti & Company Inc., Cimador & Company Masonry Contractors, Iacono Construction Company Inc., John H. Eisele Company Inc., and the Tummolo Mason Company Inc. in the states of CO, NJ, and NY, as well as his hometown of Coraopolis, PA. Mario, along with his father Carlo, contributed to many of the buildings and brick roads still standing and being used in Coraopolis. Mario held memberships in various organizations such as the American Legion, International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, ISDA (Italian Sons & Daughters), The Loyal Order of the Moose, VFW Post 402 (Life Member) and was a generous contributor to Father Flanagan's Boys Home, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Society of the 1st Division, St. Joseph's Indian School, St. Labre School and the VFW. Mario, since the early 70's, had been a member of the Lilydale Assembly in NY. He enjoyed taking early summer trips there before living in NY permanently in his later years. His friendly personality, as well as his love for good conversation, got him the nickname of "The Mayor of Lilydale" as he was cherished and loved by all in that community. Mario had also volunteered his time at the local Presbyterian Church passing out lunches and helping in the kitchen. Having no children of his own, Mario is survived by several nephews, nieces, great and great-great-nephews and nieces. Of his immediate family are David Tollis, Larry Tollis, Linda Tollis Marion Earnest (Tollis) and Michael Tollis. Mario is now enjoying the company of those he had missed dearly while watching down upon those he loved being with so much and has now left behind, wearing a gentle smile....holding an ever replenished glass of his favorite Merlot. Family and friends will be welcomed on Friday, from 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., in the SANVITO FUNERAL HOME, 1316 Fourth Ave., Coraopolis. A prayer service will take place in the funeral home on Saturday, at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m., in St. Joseph Church. Interment to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb
