Giuseppe Mario Di Prizio

Giuseppe Mario Di Prizio, 64, of Chicago, passed away on May 29, 2020 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Mario was born in Bari, Italy to Chiara (nee Martinelli) and Sabino Di Prizio on May 28, 1956. He graduated from Colegio Loyola Gumilla High School in Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela in 1975. He then studied at the University of Illinois Chicago where he met his wife Bertha G. Magaña and earned a BS in Electrical Engineering - Electronics and Electro-Magnetics (1979). He went on to attend University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he earned a MS in Electrical Engineering – Communications and Optics (1985).

During his nearly 40-year career, Mario helped to develop new technologies in use today in digital, retail, telecommunications and several related industries. His expertise included business operations and management. He holds seven US patents with colleagues from Motorola and Sears Holdings.

Mario and Bertha were married in 1981 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood. They were devoted to one another for nearly 44 years. Mario is survived by his wife Bertha, his daughters Cassandra Nicole and Daniella Guillermina, and his son Alejandro Savino. He is also survived by his brothers Vito Mario and Domenico Mario, and his sister Maria Rosaria Nicoli, several brothers- and sisters-in-law (Martinez, Magaña), and extended relatives in Italy, the US, and Mexico. He was predeceased by his parents Chiara and Sabino.

Mario was known for his dedication to his family and his professional colleagues. At home and at work, he invested deeply in the success of those around him and worked tirelessly to help them reach their full potential. Mario’s work and his fluency in English, Spanish, and Italian took him all over the world. Mario placed tremendous value on education and service. He served on the board of the Chicago Teachers Math & Science Academy, as elected member of the inaugural cadre of Chicago Local School Councils, Member of the 1988 Chicago School Board Nominating Commission, and volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. He lived by simple principles; hurt no one, help as you are able, be a friend and make a friend.

Mario will be missed dearly and remembered fondly by family and friends. The family is grateful to the doctors, nurses, social workers, and staff of Northwestern’s Malnati Brain Institute for their expert care and kind support.

Due to the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mario’s life will be celebrated in a private funeral. Plans for a memorial will follow as they become available. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Mario’s memory be made to Chicago’s public radio station WBEZ, Susan G. Komen Chicago, and UIC Student Scholarship.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the funeral home is not accepting floral deliveries at this time. 

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