'One Of A Kind:' Community Mourns Owner Of LBI Italian Market

SURF CITY, NJ — Mario J. Aversa fulfilled his culinary dreams, opening Mario's Italian Market on Long Beach Island. Those close to him say he always smiled, brightened lives with his humor and always stopped what he was doing to help a friend in need.

Aversa, 46, died Thursday. A GoFundMe supporting Aversa's family says he died suddenly after a heart attack and complications from diabetes. He leaves behind two daughters — Annalise and Elena Aversa — and their mother, Dawn Aversa.

Aversa was "truly one of a kind," according to Brooke Mesanko, the GoFundMe organizer.

"Mario was also an enormous part of the LBI community," Mesanko said. "His customers were his friends and family. Through the crazy hustle and bustle of the summer months he still always found time for his beautiful girls."

Aversa was born in New York City. He enjoyed working in the food industry and earned his degree from the Academy of Culinary Arts at Atlantic Cape Community College, according to his obituary.

Mario's Italian Market was known for carrying and catering fresh, high-quality Italian food. But beyond the business, he was always a phone call away for anyone who needed a listening ear or much-needed advice.

The future of Mario's Italian Market is unknown. The store stayed open Saturday and Sunday but closed Monday until further notice.

A memorial gathering for Aversa, who lives in Manahawkin, will take place 4-7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11 at Barnegat Funeral Home (841 West Bay Ave.). In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the GoFundMe. Click here to donate.

Several community members have discussed how much they'll miss Aversa.

"I loved visiting the shop from the first time I walked in & was carried away by the opera music to this past September when Mario & I chatted about his new, healthier look," one person wrote on the GoFundMe page. "I grieved with him over the loss of his brother, father, mother & my husband and granddaughter, as well as other tragedies that befell his family. He was my friend, not only the creator of the best food on LBI."

"We loved going to Mario’s," said another donor. "He was always there with a smile and he will be missed."

"What a great guy....foodie’s best friend and most of all father who would never fail at his mission," someone wrote on the Mario's Italian Market Facebook page. "Will always remember our trip to and from the Giants game.Miss you good buddy."

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