MIDDLETON – Mario Dante Linares, 61, of Middleton passed away peacefully November 24th, 2024 at Brigham & Women's Hospital surrounded by his family, after a courageous struggle with Leukemia.

Born in Lynn, he was the son of Anthony and Louise (Totilo) Linares. Mario was raised and educated in Hamilton and graduated from Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School in 1981.

After graduation, Mario primarily worked in the hospitality industry, where he was known for crafting exceptional drinks and preparing delicious meals.  Whether he was mixing a cocktail or creating a comforting meal, Mario had a unique ability to make every experience special and left a lasting impression on those he served. For the past six years Mario worked at Brooksby Village in Danvers. Mario's culinary talents were only surpassed by the kindness and care he showed to everyone he served.

Growing up, Mario was a passionate sports enthusiast and had a deep love for the Boston sports teams. He found joy in following their successes, celebrating their victories, and sharing in the excitement with his family by his side. His enthusiasm for Boston sports was something he shared with others, bringing family together over their shared love for our city's teams. He would be proudly wearing the colors of our hometown teams, from hats and shirts to sweatshirts and jackets. These were symbols of his lifelong connection to Boston's rich sports culture.

In his younger days, Mario laced up his skates and hit the ice, playing hockey with gusto. When he wasn't immersed in the sports world, Mario could be found tinkering with cars, fearlessly adding chrome to places few others dared.

Mario had a deep love for music, especially the rock anthems of the 70's and 80's. Whether he was at home listening to music, watching videos on his phone or driving around town he could always be found blasting classic rock in the background. His enthusiasm for the iconic sounds of bands like Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, The Eagles and southern rock.

In addition to his parents, Mario is survived by his son, Corey Linares of Beverly, his sister, Mary-Lou Conti and her husband, John of Beverly, his brother, Tony and wife Barbie of Georgetown, his nieces and nephews, Vanessa, Amanda and her husband, Brendan, Cassandra, Anthony, Tatiana, Dominic and great niece Scarlett Lou. Mario had a close relationship with his Aunt, Marie Cassidy and Aunt, Maria Totilo who will both miss him dearly.  Mario was predeceased by his dear Uncle, Alfonso Totilo, whose memory Mario carried with him throughout his life.

Though Mario is no longer with us, his spirit will live on in the stories we share, the laughter we remember, and the love he had for his friends and family.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to attend Mario's funeral Mass which will be held at St. Mary of the Annunciation Church, 24 Conant Street, Danvers, on Monday, December 2nd at 10 A.M. Burial to follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Haverhill. Visiting hours will be held at O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (Rte. 62) DANVERS, on Sunday, December 1st from 2 to 5 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mario's memory to Dana Farber-Brigham Cancer Center, P.O. Box 849163, Boston, MA 02284 - online at dana-farber.org .  To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com

Dana Farber-Brigham Cancer Center
P.O. Box 849163, Boston MA 02284
Web: http://dana-farber.org