Mario Bandera

Mario Bandera, 85, of Syracuse, died Friday, July 8, 2016, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse, New York, with his loving family by his side. Mario was born May 12, 1931, in Syracuse, New York, to Quinto and Victoria Bandera. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Rae-Ellen. Also surviving are his four sons, Irving (Cynthia) Lyons, Jr., Anthony (Laura) Bandera of Fairmount, Nicholas (Bobbi) of Oneida, Christopher (Tammie) of Rockford, IL; ten granddaughters , Dayna-Rae, Ryan, Alexandra, Gabrielle, Julia, Amber, Cheyenne, Brittany, Amber and Ashley; seven grandsons, Jesse, Jake, Luke, Nicholas, Noah, Elijah and Chayne. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews, including Melissa Rank and Samantha Rae. He had twelve great-grandchildren. Mario was a lifelong resident of Syracuse. He attended Franklin and Grant Schools. As a youth, he was a drummer on the Syracuse Brigadiers Drumline. He was a delegate for the Indian Bowling Association for fifteen years. Mario loved to cook for his family, friends and church. He was a fan of Drum and Bugle Corps and would frequently attend shows and competitions. He also liked to hunt and was an avid bowler. He liked to fix things and was skilled as a carpenter, electrician, mason and auto mechanic. He was a member of the Tyrolean Club. His greatest love was his wife, Rae-Ellen; he was a devoted husband and they were rarely apart. Next, he was devoted to his family, friends and church. He loved his dog Ziva and she was always by his side. After his retirement, he spent numerous hours helping those in need. He would take them to doctor appointments and to shop for their groceries. Mario retired after thirty years of employment. He was an elected union steward of Local 624. Mario was respected as a leader, husband, father and humanitarian. Calling hours will be Thursday, July 14, 2016, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Ballweg & Lunsford Funeral Home, Inc., 4612 S. Salina Street, Syracuse, New York 13205. A funeral service will be held on Friday at noon at the funeral home. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mario’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000 Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101.

Mario Bandera

May 12, 1931 - July 8, 2016