Mario Romero Valdellon
December 22, 1947 - July 18, 2023
Mario Romero Valdellon, age 75, of Middletown, DE, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, July 18, 2023.
Born in Manila, Philippines on December 22, 1947, he was a son of the late Vicente and Nelly (Romero) Valdellon, Sr. Mario was a graduate of Arellano University in 1970 earning a Bachelor of Science degree. Over the years, he worked as a trade and financial analyst at various companies including MeesPierson, Louis Dreyfus, and Societe Generale.
In 1980, Mario moved to America and met his wife, Benilda “Enic”, in New York where they married in 1981. After living in Mineola, NY for 32 years, Mario and Enic retired to Middletown, DE, where they enjoyed retired life with their Spring Arbor community. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing tennis and pickleball. Above all, Mario’s biggest passion was music. He loved playing the guitar and singing, especially at family functions, church choirs, and various music groups throughout the years. Mario would play the songs of Chet Atkins, Al Caiola, and similar guitarists, to hone his skills. His daughters will always cherish their memories of him playing guitar lullabies.
In addition to his parents, Mario was preceded in death by his brother, Vicente Valdellon, Jr. He is survived by his loving wife, Benilda “Enic” Bariso Valdellon; children, Erica Aurori (Jason) and Samantha Valdellon; sisters, Virginia Posadas (Manuel), Pearl Valdellon, and Katherine Molina (Antonio); sister-in-law, Conchita Valdellon; and grandson, Dylan Aurori.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9 am until 11 am on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at St. Joseph Parish, 319 East Main Street, Middletown, DE, where a funeral mass will begin at 11 am. A second visitation and funeral mass will be held at Corpus Christi Church in Mineola, NY at a later date. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mario’s memory to Corpus Christi R.C. Church, 155 Garfield Avenue, Mineola, NY 11501-2583 or online by clicking here, St. Joseph Parish or St. Rose of Lima R.C. Church, 371 East Main Street, Middletown, DE 19709, or St. Francis Xavier R.C. Church, PO Box 61, Warwick, MD 21912.
Rosemary Hadland
Dearest Enic and family, I am so heartbroken and stunned by the news of Mario’s passing. He was a kind and gentle man with a beautiful gift of music – yet, he was so humble of heart. The Music Ministry of St. Joseph Parish will miss him dearly. He was such an important part of our “church” family. I know how much you will all miss his presence. He delighted in his family, especially baby Dylan. He was so proud to show photos of the baby to anyone who asked about him. I am comforted by the knowledge that he will be playing his guitar in heaven and singing in the heavenly choir as well. May he rest in eternal peace and may you all find strength in the days and years ahead. God bless you all.
Frank & Madeline Cimino
Dear Enic… You well know how much we and everyone in Spring Arbor loved Mario. And as a fellow musician I truly appreciated his talents in working and rehearsing together often. Mario was one of the sweetest and kindest person who ever touched our lives. Madeline and I are heart ❤️ broken with you.
Blessings 🙏 love 💕 Frank & Madeline Cimino
Steve Wright
Both Paula Wright and myself extend our most sincere condolences for your loss.
Rev Steve and Paula Wright
5 Palisade cir
Mary Ann Becker
Enic, Dave and I are so sorry for your loss. Mario was such a talented man, so kind and caring. Please give all of your family our condolences. If you ever need anything at all please call us.
Mary Ann & Dave Becker
Mary Ann Holland
My deepest sympathy to your family. I had the privilege of hearing Mario play many times. He will be missed.
Len Pniewski
Heartfelt condolences. Please know your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Len and Linda Pniewski
Stephanie Glover
Enic,
I’m so very sorry. Mario will be missed a Spring Arbor. He was such a kind man. I can’t imagine the pain you are going through right now. My deepest condolences go out to you and your loved ones. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Stephanie n Kwane Glover
Phyllis and Bob Schultz
We are so sorry for your loss. We will keep your family in our prayers.
He was gift of life to family and friends may your happy memories of him give you comfort. .
Beverli Simms-Jackson
It is with heavy heart that I am writing my condolences to you Enid and the family. Mario was such a talented and beautiful human being. I was able to really get to enjoy his talents in our Spring Arbor chorus, Rock-n-Roll ensemble and especially with his accompaniment to my solos on various occasions. The angelic chorus is a bit sweeter with yet another voice and instrument added. He will be sorely missed. Peace, comfort and blessings go out to you and family.
Jacqueline Carhart
Dear Enic and family,
Words can’t express how saddened I was to hear of your loss. Today and always, may loving memories bring you peace, comfort and strength. My heart is with you in your time of sorrow. Prayers and hugs, Jacqueline
Anita Gantz
Enic & family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Mario at the wrap event for the Adopt-A-Family. My condolences go out to you and your family.
Jon Catlin
Enic and family,
Elaine and I were saddened to learn of Mario’s passing. Although we did not know him well, it was immediately apparent that he was a kind and gentle man. All of Spring Arbor joins you in mourning his loss.
Joe & Chauncey Moore
Mario was a loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, and neighbor. I enjoyed playing Pickleball, shooting 8 Ball Pool and singing in the Spring Arbor Choir with Mario. Prior to joining the Spring Arbor Rock n Roll group, I told Mario that I was always a backup singer in choirs. To sing in this Rock n Roll group, I had to lead two songs. I was very nervous and insecure about leading songs. Mario encouraged me by explaining the difference between singing background and singing lead. He said, “It is harder to sing background; when you lead a song, you are just singing the melody.” I had never looked at it from that perspective. Last week, I successfully led my two songs during our concert. Thank you, Mario. You will be missed.
Eileen & Jeff Cohen
Enic – we are so saddened to hear of Mario’s passing. Our hearts go out to you and your family.
Eileen & Jeff Cohen
Pat Candalla
Dear Enic,
I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Mario. Please accept my family’s heartfelt condolences during this incredibly difficult and trying time.
Mario was an exceptional person, and it was evident to all who knew him that he brought so much joy and love into your life. His departure leaves a void that can never be filled, and he will be sorely missed by all those who were fortunate enough to know him.
May you find strength and solace in the precious memories you shared with Mario. Allow yourself the time and space to grieve, for healing comes in its own time.
Once again, I extend my deepest sympathies to you, Erica and Samantha. May you find comfort in the love and support that surrounds you, and may the cherished memories of your dear husband, and father to your children, be a source of strength and peace in the days to come.
With love and heartfelt condolences,
Pat and family
Nini Legarda
My deepest sympathy to you Enic, Erica and Samantha. Sending you healing prayers and big hug for you. Wishing you comfort during this difficult times. Please don’t hesitate to let me know if there is anything that I can do. May you Rest In Peace, Mario.
Yvonne Bacon
Dear Enid and family , I was heartbroken to hear of the passing of Mario. Though I only knew him for a short time I always enjoyed his company and his gift of music. I so enjoyed singing with him in the SAS singer and church choir.I will remember his smile and his kind ways. He was a gentle man with a big heart that he shared with all. Mario left a lasting impression on this earth and he will be greatly missed.
Joanne Russell
I am so sorry to learn of Mario’s passing. Please know my prayers are with
your family. I am here if you need anything.
Michael McGonigle
Mario was a talented singer and guitar player who devoted his talents to serving God and St. Joseph parish. I was privileged to have served with him as a cantor and choir member. His fellowship and talents will be missed.
Anita Fox
To Mario’s Family, I send my deepest condolences. He was such a respected, talented, humble and genuinely nice person. His guitar playing and singing voice were extraordinary. I am glad I had the opportunity to know him through the choir at St. Joseph’s parish.
His legacy will live on. May God give you comfort, strength, and peace during this difficult time.
Anita Fox
Tintin
With deepest sumpathy to Enic, Erica and Samantha. Yes ! We arę heart broken of Mario’s passing. Eternal Rest grant unto his soul O Lord, May Perpetual life shine upon him, May he Rest In Peace, Amen.
We love you dearly Mario……..you will terribly be missed but we all know that you will have a happy life In heaven ,
Your memories will always stay In our hearts. ❤️🙏🌹💕Tintin and the Barisos
Suzie Wham
God bless your family during this difficult, painful time. I’ve been praying every day for your peace and comfort. I had the privilege of singing with Mario at St. Joseph and St. Rose. He was such a sweet man and a gifted musician. Thank you so much for sharing him with our parish. We in the music ministry absolutely adored Mario and he will be missed so, so much.
Jan Hasselbusch
Dear Enid,
We are deeply saddened by your loss. Mario was an amazing singer and guitarist, but mostly a kind and generous person. Please know that we send prayers of comfort and healing to you and your family.
Jan and Randy Hasselbusch
William and Lucille Gould
As neighbors and parishoners we will be missing the talents of Mario. We will pray for him and for your family that you will be able to bear this very sad time. God bless you all
George & Rita Ryor
Mario was a true gentleman. He was kind, generous, and thoughtful. He was a very talented musician, cantor, and choir member. We were both stunned to hear the tragic news of his passing. In the choir, he helped keep the tenors in tune.
George always wanted to be in earshot of Mario. Mario will be deeply missed! He now sings in the heavenly choir!
May he rest in peace,
George & Rita
Mr. & Mrs. Gipson
Thank You for your friendship, your love of music, and being a wonderful neighbor in the Spring Arbor Community. We will truly miss your presence… Lynn and Dawn Gipson…
Evelyne and George Oppenheimer
Dear Enic and family
We are so sorry for Mario’s passing. May all your memories, especially the beautiful music, give you strength.
Evelyne and George
Joan Carter
Dear Enid and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. It it a loss for Spring Arbor as well. It was a joy to hear Mario play his guitar. We all will miss him very much.
Joan and Rich Carter
Anicia Aquino Pangilinan
Enic, our deepest and sincerest condolences and prayers to you and your family. Our prayers for the repose of his soul, may he rest in peace. Love, Annie and Rod
Chuck Richard and Joey Bariso
Dear Enic, Erica and Samantha,
We are so sorry to hear about Mario’s sudden passing. We know this is a very sad and difficult time for you, Erica and Samantha. You have our very deepest sympathy. He made an ideal husband and father, full of love and affection and always compassionate and kind to everyone. He will be dearly missed. Please know that we are here for you in this time of sorrow. May he rest in peace.
Chuck and Joey
The Cabrinha Familh
With a heavy heart we share in this time of loss and always cherish the memories , love, music and laughter of Uncle Mario. May love and light continue to shine upon you and as we miss Uncle Mario dearly may we be comforted to know he is with our Lord in heaven joining the singing and guitar playing angels. We love you each very much. And uncle Mario’s kindness and love thrives in each of you. Love Mark Idona Maya and Ian
Sandra Rechisky/Ron Sullo
Dear Enic, Erica and Samantha,
Ron and I were extremely saddened by the passing of Mario. This world was a kinder, gentler place with Mario in it and he will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. May he rest in peace.
With our heartfelt sympathy,
Sandra and Ron
Marilyn Basco
Dear Cousin Enic
My family are so saddened by the sudden passing of Mario…We would like to extend our sincerest sympathy to you and the entire family. We are always here for you. May the Lord give you strength and comfort. We love you and always here if you need us!!!