Lyndhurst B resident, Mario Vito LaManna, 87, formerly of Riverdale, New York, died peacefully in his home on Thursday, July 6, 2023.
Born on 185th Street in the Bronx on May 24, 1936, he was the son of Annatonia and Francesco LaManna. After serving in the army, he worked for nearly 40 years at Sears and Roebuck on Fordham Road selling Kenmore washers and dryers or as he would say, “big ticket items.” Mario will be remembered as a very encouraging person and good listener by family and friends, always assuring them that he could be called on 24/7 if they needed to talk. His life-long mantra being there are no problems in life, only challenges. He was passionate about holistic alternatives to medicine and enjoyed sharing his knowledge with others. Mario loved spending time withfamily, reading, meditating, history, walking outdoors, and especially dancing the night away with his friends every Saturday. He was a wonderful father and grandfather, who cherished time playing chess with his grandchildren, Brandon, Damian, Vada and Skylar.
Mario really made a home of his Century Village community, often calling it a paradise. He was very proud of the clubhouse and all it’s many classes and activities. He was a regular at Feldenkrais class, took dance classes such as Argentinian Tango, and even tried stickball for a short time. He really enjoyed going to the pool to meet up with friends, either to swim or join in at Sunday Karaoke. Fast walking around the grounds was part of his daily routine, enjoying the company of people he got acquainted with along the way. His greatest passion, however, was going to the Saturday dances. He often bragged of his wonderful dance partners and all the fun he had there with friends. He went dancing three weeks before his passing because it was something that brought him tremendous joy!
Mario would have wanted to be remembered by the way he lived, as he truly knew how to live life to the fullest. Throughout his lifetime he let us know that he did not want tears when he passed, rather a party with laughter and dancing. He even chose to pass away as his daughters, Diane and Doreen, were laughing near him. Although we will miss his own infectious laugh and warm smile, we have gained a special angel to watch over us, forever dancing in our hearts!
Mario’s daughters want to extend their sincere gratitude to his Century Village Family, who made their Dad’s life these past 14 years a blissful one!