<div itemprop="description">It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mario Bottausci. He was married 63 years and is survived by his wife Fiorella, brother Alfiero (wife Sandra), son Anthony (wife Carla), daughter Ingrid (husband Pier Luigi), son Alex (wife Kimberley), and his beloved grandchildren Sophia, Julia, and Daniel. <br> <br>Mario was born in Costano (Umbria, Italy), a cozy village under the radiance of Assisi, the home of Saint Francis. He was raised a fiercely independent and creative son that displayed an entrepreneurial spirit starting at a young age. Mario was never short of inventive ways to generate resources. In his late teens he was already operating his own butcher shop. Aiming for an expansion of opportunities, he soon completed Hotel School. He worked in the finest hotels across Germany, France, Switzerland, and England, rising to the highest positions of Maitre D'Hotel and Hotel Director. <br> <br>After meeting his wife Fiorella in Switzerland, the pair moved to London (England) where they married and started a family. They enjoyed five magical years in London, immersing themselves in British culture. In 1964, the young family relocated to Montreal (Canada) to join Fiorella’s brother Antonio. Not one year later, Mario became co-owner of Bianca & Franco Restaurant, a successful and beloved culinary hotspot in Little Italy. Mario and Fiorella were a staple in their newfound Italian community, working alongside one another to provide the best Italian food in the city. During his most productive years, Mario also owned and managed the exclusive restaurant operations in the Italian Pavilion at Terres des Hommes (Ile Sainte Helène), co-owned two downtown restaurant operations (Ferrari and Cour Du Roi), operated a wine import business, and managed his own real estate operations. <br> <br>Never forgetting his native roots in Umbria, Mario founded the Associazione Regionale Umbra of Montreal. For many of the founding years, Mario served as President, guiding and organizing cultural activities and launching initiatives to bridge connections with Italy. <br> <br>Aside from Mario’s principle focus on food and wine culture, he was equally known for his natural abilities in construction and renovation, designing and building his family’s country house in the Laurentians, renovating properties he owned, as well as helping his children with theirs. <br> <br>Mario prized his independence and was appreciated as a doer. He never sat for long or complained about circumstances. His inspiration was his family, dear friends, and his Montreal and Italian community. He enjoyed helping others and being of service in whatever ways was requested of him. <br> <br>In later years he spent winters in Florida with his wife, but busied himself by volunteering his time as a Condo Board member, tending to the management and large renovation projects. During his downtime, he enjoyed watching sports, but was especially fond of soccer. He also loved binging on Western movies whilst lounging in his favorite Florida sofa chair. <br> <br>Mario enjoyed spending time with his grandkids. He taught them practical things. He cheered them on in sports and played Chess and Sette Mezzo with them. Their best memories of him will include cruising the Caribbean together. Mario was a strong believer in education, and encouraged his children and grandchildren to achieve their potential in academia. <br> <br>Mario is deeply missed. We cherish all that he has done for us. He will live in our hearts forever. <br> <br>In lieu of flowers, a donation to the charity of your choice would be appreciated. <br> <br>***LIVESTREAM*** <br>For those who would like to join the family virtually, we invite you to copy and paste on your browser the follwing link to the livestream: https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/100234 <br> <br> <br></div>
