Mario Lanza Nelson, Sr. was born December 7, 1951 in Prichard, AL.
He was the seventh child of eleven born to the union of Lillian and Herbert O. Nelson II.
At a young age Mario and the Nelson family relocated from Alabama to Dayton, Ohio. Mario attended Roosevelt High School where he played the cornet in the band, thus beginning his journey of becoming an avid musician.
Mario loved music of all kinds, but any music that included the brass section and had a great groove was ok in his book.
After graduating from high school, Mario enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17 years old. After proudly serving his country, Mario returned to Ohio and enrolled in Central State University. It was there that he met the love of his life Anita Moody. The two were united in Holy matrimony and two sons were born to this union, Mario Lanza, Jr. and Joseph Alan.
Mario was very intelligent and knowledgeable in a variety of subjects. He was always providing a bevy of information to family and friends whether they wanted it or not.
Mario enjoyed fishing and people watching. Most of all he loved his family. He was always willing to help his family whenever needed.
Mario left and indelible impression on everyone who he came in contact with and was loved by all that knew him. Mario lived life to the fullest and on his terms, his presence will be sorely missed.
Mario was preceded in death by his father, Herbert II; his mother, Lillian; and his siblings, Charletta, Carlie, and Willie.
On May 9, 2024, Mario made his transition leaving to cherish his memories: his wife, Anita; his sons, Mario, Jr. (Ava-Ziva), Joseph (Tierra); his sisters, Sheree, Myrtle, and Delois; his brothers, Herbert III (Lisa), Walter, Joseph (Margaret), Alphonse; his grandchildren, Kyra, Logan (Whitney), Parker, Charlotte, Conner (Tezra), Liam, Joseph, Jr., Johnathan, Jayden, and Jordan; his sisters-in-law, Valorie (Vernon) Brooks, Cynthia Hopkins and Roberta Vanorsby; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.