Known to many as “Super Mario.” Known to us simply as Dad. A life built on work, love, and legacy.

Mario Durante was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and pillar of the Milton community. His life was defined by determination, loyalty, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved.

Born in Italy in 1933, Mario immigrated to Canada in 1953 with just $19 — a loan from his father. At 19 years old, he arrived in Milton with no English, no guarantees, and no clear path — only grit, vision, and the will to build something meaningful. And that’s exactly what he did.

In 1956, he married Noemi, the love of his life. Together, they raised four children: Larry (Carole), Dennis (Teja), Mirco (Donna), and Michelle (Tory). Mario was a proud and loving Nonno to nine grandchildren: Nicholas (Makena), Amber (Breanne), Teja (Josh), Alex, Drew, Sidney, Camryn, Mikayla, and Jessica. He also had the joy of welcoming two great-grandchildren into the world: Mila and Alton.

In 1963, he opened Durante’s Auto Service and Towing, which became the foundation for the Durante Group of Companies. Over the decades, he helped shape the landscape of Milton — not only through land and development, but through the values he modeled every day: hard work, honesty, and doing things the right way.

Mario gave generously to his community, supporting the Milton District Hospital, the Rotary Club, the Salvation Army, youth programs, sports teams, and countless local causes. His contributions were formally recognized with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Milton Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award — honours he accepted with quiet pride and humility.

For the past 16 years, Mario was cared for with devotion by Edna Natividad and the Natividad family, who also lovingly cared for Noemi. Edna became more than a caregiver — she became family. Mario loved her like a daughter, and the family will always be grateful for her strength, loyalty, and care.

Mario will be deeply missed by Charity, affectionately known as Crombie, who lived with Mario and Noemi for several years. He played a loving, fatherly role in her life, and their bond remained strong through the years.

The family will receive visitors at McKersie & Early Funeral Home, 114 Main St. E., Milton on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. from Holy Rosary Church, 139 Martin St., Milton. Interment to follow at Milton Evergreen Cemetery, 230 Ontario St. S.

The family would like to extend an invitation to join them at Granite Ridge Golf Course for a lunch reception following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mario’s memory to the Milton District Hospital Foundation or the Townsend Smith Foundation.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at McKersie & Early Funeral Home.