Mario Conti, whom, surrounded by family and friends, had just celebrated his 100th birthday in January, passed away on February 9th, 2025. Born in the house that he grew up in, on a farm in Northern Italy near Parma, he was accustomed to hard work and had a knowledge of the land and it's cultivation, including the skill of recognizing and harvesting wild mushrooms. Leaving behind his family, and his beloved Italy, he came to Framingham when he was in his early 20's. Just starting out, he took a job as a dishwasher for his cousin's in-laws at Marconi's Restaurant in Ashland. There, he would meet and later marry Enia Agostinelli –and what a team they made! When Oliver Brothers Construction was offering on the job training he joined the men who became the backbone of the building boom in the 50's. He was a fast learner and there was plenty of work. His new wife was thrifty and within five years of marriage, they were able to purchase the last available lot on Pershing Avenue, in the Tripoli neighborhood, where they raised their two sons. His yard was a garden; he planted fruit trees, peaches and pears. On one side he grew rhubarb, zucchini and swiss chard. Half of the entire backyard he planted with rows of peas and a variety of lettuces in the Spring and string beans and tomatoes in the Summer.  And like any true Italian, he had one or two well established finocchi plants, the stalks of which Enia would use to make her porchettas.

He was a lifelong member of the Columbus Club; evenings and weekends he hung out there, playing cards, following the sports and just enjoying the overall comradery. His skill at Poker was well known. He loved taking trips to the cape, walking the bay beach or clamming in the mud flats. The grandchildren and great-grandchildren put the biggest smiles on his face; helping to comfort him as he grew older.

In addition to his wife, Mario is survived by two sons, Paul Conti and his wife Robin of Ashland, Richard Conti and his fiancé Patricia Biedugnis of Framingham, four grandchildren Michael, Scott, Jolena and Gianna, and five great-grandchildren Julianna, Sophia, Anthony, Maximilian and Nevaeh.

He was predeceased by his granddaughter Alisha and also by his three brothers Eduardo, Angelino and Alcide.

Visiting hours will be Friday, February 21st from 10am-12pm in the Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main St., Ashland, MA. At a later date, there will be a private burial in St. Tarcisius Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to Wounded Warrior Project.