MARIO JOSEPH ESPOSITO JR., age 73, of Luverne, died Monday, October 8, 2018, surrounded by the family he adored.  He was born August 25, 1945, in Queens, NY, to Mario Sr. and Olga (Valentino) Esposito. He graduated from high school, in Bethpage, NY in 1963.

Mario lived in New York before moving to Big Lake, MN and then to Luverne in May of 2018.  He was a life-long entrepreneur of a successful chimney sweep business and fish market that he owned with his brothers. After moving to Minnesota he spent several years as an agronomy driver for Centra Sota Cooperative.

Mario was a skilled carpenter who was passionate about fishing, reading and playing chess.  He was also a gifted cook who used his garden grown vegetables to create a twenty pound lasagna every year for Christmas or an unrivaled chicken noodle soup.  Mario was happiest spending time with his beloved grandchildren or surrounded by the water with a warm cup of coffee and a newspaper.

Mario will best be remembered for his quick jokes and historical trivia remarks. He always had a genuine, contagious smile that would make the day just a little brighter.

Mario is survived by his daughter, Gina (Joel) Decesare, Luverne; three grandchildren, Tyler, Sarah and Autumn; and two brothers, Sal (Bobbie) Esposito, Holbrook, NY; and Richie (Jackie) Esposito, Holbrook, NY.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

A time of fellowship will be from 6:30 to 8 pm Thursday at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Luverne. A private committal of cremains will be at a later date.