This week brought the passing of Mario Zullo, marking the end of an era for many longtime Chelsea residents. Mario was the last surviving brother among the 10 boys and two girls of the renowned Zullo family.
For many years, Mario ran Mario’s Cleaners in Park Square, situated across from Riley’s Roast Beef and the former Pallin Chevrolet building, now occupied by ROCA.
During the 1930s and 1940s, Mario came of age in Chelsea, where he earned a reputation as a personable individual and devoted friend to numerous community members.
A trusted associate of former world heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano of Brockton, Mario frequently welcomed Rocky to Chelsea as his guest. The boxing legend participated in a memorable outdoor parade down Broadway alongside then-Mayor Andrew P. Quigley.
Mario seemed to know everyone in town, and people valued his company when discussing sports, politics, and current events.
The loss of Mario Zullo and his many years of service to Chelsea and its residents will be deeply felt. We join our fellow community members in extending sympathy to his daughters Judi and Diane, his sister Barbara—the last remaining sibling of the Zullo family—and all members of the extended Zullo family.
May he rest in peace.