Mario Suraci
Nov. 25, 1928 – Jan. 9, 2021
Legendary San Francisco Bassist Mario “Rocco” Suraci was born in Oakland CA and passed away from natural causes at his Castro Valley home. He was 92.
Mario was a child prodigy classical violinist who switched to bass in High School and toured the world, performing and recording with a great number of the most famous acts/singers/musicians of his time; from Sarah Vaughn, Frank Sinatra and Morgana King to Elvis Presley, Bernadette Peters, and Tony Bennett. He was a member of the Musician’s Union, AFofM, Local 6.
Mario also served with the USMC in the Korean War and was with the First Marine Division at Chosin Reservoir in the winter of 1950.
Mario was a popular, much loved and respected person and had a large number of friends and colleagues from all over the country who regarded him as more than just a friend but also as family. He was open, friendly and funny and was loved by everyone lucky enough to cross his path. A better human being you couldn’t find.
Mario was not only a world class musician but an avid sport car enthusiast who rebuilt and restored hundreds of European sport/race cars, one of which resides in the British Museum and even completed the professional Formula-2 race circuit in Europe. He also flew airplanes/gliders; raced speed boats; and was an experienced sailor…a man who loved life, music and people. He will be greatly missed.
Mario was preceded in death by his wife Carol and his son Vincent. He is survived by his loving partner Daphne Lewis of Santa Cruz, her three children: Michael, Kelley and Paul and granddaughters Kiko and Jennifer; his daughter Angela, three grandchildren and a great grandchild.
Mario was a member of the Nautilus Society (subsidiary of Neptune), and had made his own plans to be cremated and privately scattered at sea in his beloved San Francisco Bay.
A celebration of Mario’s life for his many musician friends is planned for later this year, when it’s more Covid safe. Please enter your name and email below to be notified when details become available.
As Mario began to lose his sight over the last decade, he was most appreciative of the amazing help he received from the Vista Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired in Santa Cruz, CA.
You can make a donation to the Center in his honor by clicking here.
Please join us in our Facebook group Remembering Mario Suraci to share photos and stories of our wonderful Mario.
Feb. 1, 2021 – beautiful tribute to Mario in SF Classical Voice.
Vista Center for the Blind was so helpful when my late stepfather Mario Suraci lost his sight a few years ago. They have put together a fundraiser virtual concert on May 6th with clips from Bay Area classical, operatic, jazz and folk musicians, including a nice tribute to Mario, as well as our own Tammi Brown, Keith Greeninger and Dayan Kai contributing. Check it out here and get a ticket or make a donation if so inspired to this great local organization!”
Bay Area promoter Michael Horne
