Mario Zullo

The end of an era was marked by many long-time Chelsea residents this week with the passing of Mario Zullo, the last surviving brother of the 10 boys and two girls of the fabled Zullo family.

Mario operated Mario’s Cleaners for many years in Park Square, across from Riley’s Roast Beef and the former Pallin Chevrolet building (which now houses ROCA).

Mario grew up in Chelsea during the 1930s and 1940s, and was known by all as a personable and great friend to countless members of our community.

Mario became a trusted confidante of former world heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano of Brockton.  Rocky often visited Chelsea as Mario’s guest and appeared in an epic, open-air parade along Broadway with then-Mayor Andrew P. Quigley.

Everyone, it seemed, knew Mario and enjoyed talking sports, politics, and the issues of the day with him.

We will miss Mario Zullo and his many contributions to our city and its people. We know we speak for our fellow residents in offering our condolences to his daughters Judi and Diane, sister Barbara, the last surviving sibling of the Zullo clan, and the large, extended Zullo family.

May he rest in peace.

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