St. Louis, Missouri – Mario Comerio passed away peacefully on November 7, 2025, surrounded by his family and friends. Mario was born on December 15, 1942, in St. Louis, Missouri, the cherished son of Mario and Rose Comerio, and beloved brother of Mary Comerio and her husband, Michael Teitz.
Mario was married for 58 years to his wife, Dorothy (Dottie) Jean Comerio (nee Gerwitz). Mario met Dottie, the love of his life, at a young age, and the two shared an extraordinary bond built on faith, devotion, and humor. They held hands each night when they went to bed, including on his final night as he passed away.
A hardworking and dedicated man, Mario built his career as an industrial engineer. Beyond his professional life, Mario’s presence lit up every room he entered. His big brown eyes, warm smile, and genuine interest in others made everyone feel special. He valued his Italian heritage deeply and carried forward family traditions with pride, love, and laughter.
Mario’s faith and positive outlook were an inspiration to all who knew him, especially over the last nine months of his life as he faced numerous surgeries and hospital stays with grace and courage. His resilience, gratitude, and humor never wavered, reminding those around him what true strength looks like.
Affectionately known by his grandchildren as Pops, Papa, and Boop, Mario’s love for his family was his proudest legacy. He will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate to love him.
He is survived by his son, Doug Comerio, and wife Katie McCullar-Comerio; his daughter, Ely Thurmond, and husband Ted Thurmond; his nephew, Joe Rumping, and wife Maureen; and his niece, Bev Niermann, and husband Jeff. He is also survived by his six beloved grandchildren, Jordan Comerio, Jacob McCullar, Connor McCullar, Alec Comerio, Walter Anderson, and Emerson Comerio; Joe and Maureen’s four sons, Nicholas, Matt and wife Lauren, Brad, and Bryan Rumping; and Jeff and Bev’s two children, Annelise Allen and husband Nick, and Gerard Niermann.
Visitation will be held at Holy Infant Catholic Church, 627 Dennison Drive, Ballwin, Missouri, on Monday, November 10, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the extraordinary physicians, nurses, and staff at St. Luke’s Hospital who cared for Mario with such compassion, especially Dr. Thomas Niesen, Dr. Adam Ramaker, Dr. Shane Larue, and Madison Steinberg, MSN, ACNPC-AG. Special thanks to the ICU and Palliative Care teams for their kindness, skill, and devotion.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Our Little Haven in memory of Mario.
To Dottie, Mary Kay, Doug, Ely the entire Comerio family, extended family and dear friends. I am so sad to hear of Cousin Mikey’s death. It’s heartbreaking when a loved one passes away. I remember Mike and Dottie, Mary Kay, Uncle Mike and Aunt Rose, Grandma Maria Comerio and Grandpa Paolo Comerio ( although I didn’t know Grandpa Paolo as well because we were all young when he passed away. I was very proud to know he was my Godfather thought. I remember the great sense of humor Cousin Mike had and the Huge family dinners on Wil-Bes Drive in Affton. The long tables filled with delicious food surrounded by Loving Family. I thought Cousin Mike was so cool because he was a teenager! One thing I remember and I have no idea why this name popped into my head, something Cousin Mikey would say. The name was Don Bosco! Again I haven’t the faintest idea why, but I laughing out loud. Maybe I’ll find out about Don Bosco. Again, I am so, so, Sorry Dottie, Mary Kay, Doug, Ely and all the Comerio’s and family. Cousin Mike was a lot of fun and I’m certain lots of Stories and Memories and Laughter are being shared in Heaven as I’m writing this. God bless you all. Cousin Mike is in my Heart as You are all in my Heart. ♥