Mario Carusi

Mario Carusi was born on May 14, 1942, in Celano, Aquila Italy. He was the second child to Ester Montagliani and Vittorio Carusi. Mario was little brother to Costanza and big brother to Frances and Tony.

Mario spent his first 10 years in Celano running wild like little boys do (the stories!) and in October 1952 immigrated to Canada with his mom and sisters to join their dad and Tony was born two years later.

The family settled in Kamloops and dad met and married the pretty little Carol Jennings in 1960 and they were married for 64 years. They welcomed Victor in 1961, Angela in 1962, became parents to Charlie in 1967 and Dina in 1971.

They also provided a caring home for children as foster parents.

Dad loved sports and weightlifting and was on the BC Lions farm team as a teenager. Many a challenger would knock on the door at their home on Larch Avenue to arm wrestle dad (no one ever beat him!) He was a CN railroader, a floor layer and retired from the machine room at Domtar in 2001.

Mario joined Carol as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1983 and living by Bible principles made him a better man. Dad loved Jehovah God and the congregation and made many lifelong friends along the way.

Dad LOVED his vegetable garden and his fruit trees. There was ALWAYS room for six more tomato plants, a few more peach and cherry trees and another row of beans somewhere in the yard or garden. Mom had to work to keep him out of her flowerbeds.

Mario loved making sausages and wine with his brothers-in-law and was proud to provide the wine for Jesus memorial for many years. Dad was generous and hospitable. He loved social gatherings and get-togethers with family and friends, sharing good Italian food, good Italian wine, lots of stories and dancing too. Everyone was welcomed and you never left the Carusi’s with an empty belly.

The love, loyalty and devotion among dad and his siblings is cherished and worthy of imitation!

The friends, Dr Cribb the staff at the Hamlets and Manshadi pharmacy spoke fondly of dad and his friendly demeanour and will miss him. We are very grateful for their care and help over the years.

Mario was predeceased by his beloved Carol in November 2024 and many cherished family and friends along the way.

He is survived by his loving family, sons Victor (Donna) Carusi, Charlie (Cindy) Carusi and daughters Angela (Jeff) Rochester and Dina (Shawn) Bodger and their children and grandchildren. He also leaves his loving sisters Costanza (late Pasquale) Ramunno, Frances (Mario) Ramunno and brother Tony (Debra) Carusi and their families.

He will be remembered fondly by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends for his hospitality and big personality.

Ciao papa, ci vediamo in Paradiso!

A Memorial Service for Mario will take place on February 14th, 2026, at 2:00pm at the Kingdom Hall on Leigh Road in Kamloops, with a tea to follow.

Arrangements entrusted to

Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-554-2324

Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services: