Mario Sorrentino of Qualicum Beach BC, passed away peacefully with his wife of nearly 60 years by his side, at Trillium Hospice in Parksville, on March 7th, 2026.

Mario was born on 23 September 1943, in Torre Del Greco, Naples, Italy. There was intense fighting in the streets at this time, and no one was able to register his birth for a week. Consequently, his birthdate was recorded as October 1*, which he continued to celebrate ever after.

After leaving school, he started work as an apprentice hairdresser and perfected his craft at a hairdressing Academy in Lausanne, Switzerland. After living in England for 14 years, Mario and his wife and their three children emigrated to Canada in 1976 where they settled in Victoria BC. After a successful career as a hairstylist and later in building management, Mario and his wife retired to Squamish and in 2021 moved to Qualicum Beach.

Mario's greatest joy was to spend time with his family and many friends, both in Canada, Italy, and the UK. However, he also dedicated countless hours to his remarkable stamp collection, a hobby he had passionately followed for over 70 years.

He will be remembered for his wicked sense of humour, his laughter, his kindness and generosity of spirit, and for his deep love of Napoli.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Verna; his son, Peter (sp. Heidi); and his daughters Daniella and Jane (sp. Lou).

He also leaves behind four grandsons, Vince, Hunter, Kyle, and Kenton; and two great grandsons, Alex and Carter.

There will be a Celebration of Life in honour of Mario at a later date. Friends and family will be notified.

"We were lucky enough to love someone worth missing forever."