Dario T. Massarelli

Dario Thomas Massarelli of Erie, formerly of Arnold, died peacefully on September 5, 2023 at the age of 92.

Dario is survived by his loving wife of over 70 years Gloria (Cecchetti) Massarelli, his daughter Linda Van Gorder and her husband Jan, four grandchildren (Reid Van Gorder and wife Andi, Evan Van Gorder and wife Karen, Drew Van Gorder and wife Jenna, and Tess Van Gorder), and five great-grandsons. He was predeceased by his brothers Leo and Nello Massarelli and his sisters Mary Milisits and Ida Ostrovecky, and is survived by his sister Christina Krynicki and brother Dennis Massarelli, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Son of the late Olderico and Pierina (Annuli) Massarelli, Dario was born and raised in Arnold, where he lived most of his life. He worked as a stone mason and builder, a maintenance supervisor for the Westmoreland Housing Authority, and a volunteer firefighter for the Arnold Fire Department.  He served two years in the Army during the Korean Conflict with an Honorable Discharge. Dario loved music, especially Italian opera, was always whistling while he worked, and lent his voice to the choir at Mount Saint Peter Catholic Church. In his free time, he loved bowling, golfing, cheering for the Steelers, and firing his homemade potato cannon from the shoreline of Lake Erie; an increase in UAP sightings by Canadian authorities was ruled “coincidental.” With infectious good humor, Dario brought joy to all who knew him, whether he was playing Santa Claus for the neighborhood or sharing a bottle of his homemade wine with friends and family.

Friends will be received Friday 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Giunta-Bertucci Funeral Home, Inc., 1509 5th Ave. Arnold, PA 15068; JohnPaul Bertucci, Owner/ Supervisor. Prayers of transfer will take place Saturday 9:30 AM in the Funeral home followed by a Funeral Mass 10:00 AM at Mt. St. Peter R.C. Church, New Kensington. Burial will follow at Greenwood Memorial Park, Lower Burrell.

In lieu of flowers, you are asked to consider a donation to St. Mary’s at Asbury Ridge
4855 West Ridge Road, Erie, PA 16506

To leave online condolences, visit www.Giunta-Bertucci.com.

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