It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Mario Febbraro at the Algoma Residential Community Hospice surrounded by love. He was a loving husband to his best friend of Susan for 48 years. Mario was a wise and generous Dad to Jenn (Casey McGlynn), Sarah (Jesse Levine) and Holly. We will never let his Grandchildren forget him-- Giada, Lucy , Gloria and his name sake Mario. Mario is predeceased by his parents Vincent and Rosa. He was a thoughtful brother of Frances Messore, late Joe (Emma) and Ernie (Judy) and a much loved brother-in-law of Trish and Euclid Seeram, Tim and Rita Penner, late Terry Penner (Arthur) and Robin Penner. Caring uncle to many nieces and nephews, and a special nephew to his beautiful Auntie Luijena. His friendship will be missed by many. Mario was born in Calabria, Italy and immigrated with his family to Canada in 1950 at the age of 3 ½. Dr. Mario attended the University of Ottawa and it was there on the first day that he met his life partner in everything - Susan. When Dr. Mario arrived in Sault Ste. Marie in 1972 the community was waiting for him. He had agreed to take over a Family Medicine practice and he opened his doors the first day to a full waiting room and 18 women on his “delivery” list. Many of Dr. Mario’s patients were Italian Immigrants who spoke little or no English. With his trusted support staff, Arlene Hope and later Denise Rodda, he served this part of his practice with a special commitment and love. Early on in his career he charted a course in Medical Politics and was elected in sequence to every office of the Algoma West Academy of Medicine and subsequently also occupied every office serving the Medical staff of The Sault Ste. Marie General Hospital and the Plummer Memorial Public Hospital including President of the Medical Staff. Over the years Dr. Mario served on most of the committees of both the General and Plummer Hospitals. In his capacity as Chairman of the Education committee he organized many of our local Clinical Days bringing Consultant lecturers from Toronto, Ottawa and beyond. He also travelled on numerous occasions to the Ontario Medical Association meetings in Toronto in order to make the Sault’s voice heard during negotiations with the Ministry of Health. Dr. Mario was elected Chief of Emergency and Family Medicine and during the renovations of both emergencies was instrumental in assuring adequate emergency facilities for every future need including the victims of Sexual Assault. In this capacity he also worked long hours improving communications between the Medical staff and the hospital administrations. He laid the much needed ground work for our greatly admired and competent Departments of Emergency and Family Medicine that exist today. When the Northern Ontario Medical School was founded Dr. Mario became an Associate Professor teaching many medical students and later Family Medicine Residents. Dr. Mario retired in 2014 when his cancer became life threatening. He was a force of love in this world and we thank God for the gift that he was to so many. Family and friends are invited to visit at St. Jeromes Catholic Church on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 from 9 am until Funeral mass at 11 am. Rev. Pat Woods officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to ARCH or the SAH Cancer program would be a thoughtful remembrance of Mario. Thank you to the attentive and compassionate nurses of the Oncology clinic at SAH. Thanks also to Dr. David Fera, Dr. Dan Hill and Dr. Sharon Buehner and the nurses, staff and volunteers at ARCH who made it possible for Mario to die with dignity.
