Mario D. Corsi

Mario D. Corsi, 85, of Dover, Ohio died peacefully in his home on Monday, August 22, 2011.

Born January 31, 1926 in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, Mario was the son of the late Luigi and Adele (Bovara) Corsi. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Catherine (Katie) Toohey, a daughter, Mary Catherine Corsi and siblings, Armando S. (Elizabeth), Eda Flanningan (Pat), Ida J. and Quindo A. (Mary Joan) Corsi.

Mario and Katie wed on October 13, 1951 at the Church of the Annunciation in Paris, Kentucky. They supported each other throughout their marriage in their respective professions as well as community service. Mario and Katie returned to Paris to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in 2001 with extended family and friends. With Katie's death in 2004, Mario missed her dearly, and continued to sign every card to their grandchildren "From Grandma Katie and Grandpa Mario". The family takes comfort in knowing they will be together again this October for their 60th wedding anniversary.

Mario is survived by five children: Elaine K. Fuller of New Philadelphia, Ohio; Ellen Corsi Tutko (Michael) of Brooksville, Florida; Emily Corsi Shepard (Steven) of Matthews, North Carolina; John M. Corsi of Charlotte, North Carolina; and Anna Corsi Beazel (David) of Medina, Ohio. Mario cherished and spoiled his eight grandchildren Greg Fuller (Carrie); Patrick Fuller; Catherine, John A. and Elizabeth Corsi; MacGregor, Moira and Campbell Shepard. He also dearly loved and served as patriarch to his numerous nieces and nephews.

He was a graduate of the Dover High School Class of 1944. After graduating from high school, he proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps enlisting in June 1944. He served in the Pacific Theatre during World War II with the 2nd Marine Division in the battles of Saipan and Iwo Jima, and later served occupation duty in Sasebo, Japan. After receiving an honorable discharge in August 1946, Mario graduated in 1949 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. He earned a Bachelor of Laws from Western Reserve University, Franklin Thomas Backus School of Law in 1951. In 1965, Mario earned a Masters of Law Degree from Western Reserve University School of Law. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi and Delta Theta Phi.

Mario practiced law in Dover beginning in 1952, for nearly 60 years. He was elected and served as City Solicitor from 1962 to 1972 where he became a trusted legal advisor to several Mayors and the Dover Board of Education. He was a long time member of the American Bar Association, Ohio State Bar Association; Tuscarawas County Bar Association, and a member of the American Trial Lawyers Association. He routinely conducted day-to-day business at the Tuscarawas County Courthouse for more than 5 decades.

Outside of his legal profession, Mario actively contributed to numerous civic organizations in Tuscarawas County. As Chairman of the Tuscarawas County Board of Developmental Disabilities, beginning in 1966, he oversaw the construction and startup of Starlight School. As counsel to the Tuscarawas County University Branch District he helped establish and support Kent State University Tuscarawas Campus. He also served as President of the Board of Trustees of Dover Public Library. He had been an active member of the VFW, Knights of Columbus, and Lions Club of Dover. He served as President of the Lions Club from 1956-1957. Mario was a lifelong supporter of the Dover Tornadoes. He also was a longtime member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Dover where he served on both the school board and the parish council.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, August 29, 2011 at 10:30am in St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Dover with Fr. Bill Arnold officiating. He will be laid to rest beside his wife Katie in Calvary Cemetery at Dover where the Dover VFW will conduct military honors. A reception will follow in St. Joseph's Family Life Center. Friends may call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in Dover on Sunday, August 28 from 3-8pm. Christian Wake services will be Sunday at 7:45pm. Those unable to attend or who wish to express a fond memory of Mario may sign the online guestbook by visiting the Obituaries and Flowers link on the funeral home's website.

Memorials may be made to the Starlight School & Workshop c/o the Ruth Carlson Foundation, 518 Church Ave. S.W., New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663, St. Joseph Parish, 613 N. Tuscarawas Ave., Dover, Ohio 44622 (to be used for the debt reduction of the Family Life Center) or Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 W. 3rd St., Dover, Ohio 44622

TOLAND-HERZIG
Dover
330 343-6132
www.tolandherzig.com