My friend Mario of 52 years! The times we shared together I will never forget. You fought courageously to stay with us but you are now with your Mother, Father and Sister. Thank You for all the decades of memories we had together from our 20’s to our 70’s.

Mariner Game with retired Teamster co workers

One of my favorite quotes when we’re in bereavement comes from the French writer Marcel Proust,  “Grief abates; memory nourishes the heart”. Mario Vela will provide me with many memories to nourish my heart for a long time to come. Most recent of those memories come from Mario’s recent visit to New York City this past May 2025.  Seeing New York City through my cousin Mario’s eyes was the best experience ever for me. “ Everything he saw was “WOW”! He took everything in with a mixture of joy, fascination, excitement and wonder. It was refreshing to my old jaded eyes just how exciting New York City truly is. I’ve been living here so long that it’s easy to forget how wonderful the “old neighborhood” can be. Mario never allowed time or distance to become a barrier to being a member of the Lopez gang. Our surnames reflect the expansiveness of our community but it was the maternal link that was glue to this family. I’m so glad and proud to belong to this group of wonderful and beautiful people. Thanks to my cousin Mario for moving it forward and helping to maintain it in tact. 
Cousin Paul,
New York City
In case anyone wants to know or has forgotten, Mario’s Mom (Auntie Bonnie) and my Mom (Auntie Mary) are sisters. Que descansan en Paz.

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OBITUARY

Mario Nick Vela

April 3, 1952 – December 9, 2025

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