Grandpa Borello

This was a very sad week in our family because Audrey's great grandpa, Scott's grandpa, passed away on Monday. We attended the visitation and funeral this weekend in Arma, KS. Grandpa lived in Pittsburg, KS. We were very close to him, so it was a difficult time for the whole family. We're so glad that Audrey was able to meet him and he was able to enjoy his youngest great granddaughter. They were able to hang out last Saturday for our Easter celebration and she was just smiling away at him. I was also lucky to have been able to spend time with him. He always made me feel like one of his grandkids. My favorite memories of him are the bowling tournaments at Thanksgiving, polka dancing with him at weddings and Barto's, his delicious homemade red wine and most importantly, his warm smiles and hugs every time I saw him. I included the obituary below because I thought it was a beautiful tribute to him and further explains what a great man he was. We will miss you, Grandpa.

Grandpa & Grandma

Grandpa and Audrey at Christmas

Mario “Burrs” Borello, 88, died Monday, April 25, 2011, at Freeman Health Systems in Joplin, MO. He was born January 30, 1923 at Camp 50 and attended Camp 50 schools and Arma High School where he graduated in 1940. He was a lifelong resident of the Pittsburg area.

Mario married Josephine Sray, the love of his life, on June 6, 1942, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Arma, KS. Before entering the service he worked for a short time in Chicago. He proudly served in the United States Army during World War II. Afterwards he was employed by the Grapette Bottling Company. Mario, his wife, brother-in-law and sister-in-law owned and operated the B&B Tavern from 1949 to 1979. His job at the U.S. Postal Service began in 1954, retiring in 1985. He started out as a clerk and eventually had a rural route. Mario was a member of the American Legion and Rural Route Carriers Association.
Mario was an awesome husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and great grandfather. His friends spanned many generations. People seemed to be drawn to him no matter their age. His hobbies through the years included hunting, fishing, golfing, bowling, blackberry picking and winemaking. He made wine because he liked to give it to friends just like he gave of himself. He also enjoyed making French cookies with Josephine.

Recently Mario had a chapter about his life published in a book called “Raisin Pie in a Miner’s Bucket” where he spoke very proudly of his heritage.

Survivors include his wife, Josephine Borello, of the home, daughter, Jeanette K Lee and her husband Jim of Overland Park, KS, son, Dr. Dan Borello and his wife, Sally, of Joplin, Mo. He is also survived by one sister, Madeline Yartz, of Arma, KS. Mario had 5 grandchildren whom he adored and their spouses, Brian Lee (Laura), Crystalyn Belt (Charles), Scott Lee (Jessica), Dr. Brad Borello (Shannon), Dr. Blake Borello (Clare). He was also very proud of his great grandchildren, Sydney, Ryan, and James Thomas Belt and Boston and Isabella Borello and Audrey Lee.

Mario was preceded in death by his brother Maurice Borello.