Mario Joseph Caramella, 81, of Bergland, formerly of White Pine, MI, passed away after a courageous battle on Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at Dickinson County Hospital in Iron Mountain, MI with his family by his side. He was born on September 27, 1935 in Hancock, MI, the son of the late Mario and Johanna (Scussel) Caramella. Mario graduated from Houghton High School in 1952, enlisted in The U.S. Army for two years and then attended and graduated from Northern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education. He later returned to NMU and earned his Master's Degree. Mario married the former Patricia Marley on August 16, 1958, in Ontonagon, MI. She preceded him in death on February 16, 2016. They made their home in White Pine, MI, where they raised their four children and he taught business classes for the White Pine School District and adult education classes for the Intermediate School District. After retirement he substitute taught for many school districts and was interim superintendent for White Pine School District. He married the former Edna Maki (Grant) on August 28, 1989. She survives. Mario was a very active member of the community. He was a member of the Lions Club, The White Pine American Legion Post 492, St. Jude's Parish and later St. Ann's Parish, and The Michigan Association of Retired Schools Personnel, The O.C.V.A. and The Lake Gogebic Senior Citizens Inc Board. He enjoyed cooking, singing (especially at St. Ann's Catholic Church, where he was in the choir), snowmobiling, bowling, playing softball, hunting at The Jelly Bean Five with his buddies, and gardening. He always had a beautiful yard with gorgeous flowers, gardens with lots of vegetables and delicious tomatoes. He was always generously sharing his "goodies" with family, friends and neighbors. He was a very giving man, always ready to help whoever was in need. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Helen Cummings of Anchorage, Alaska and Delphine Hilbert of Tomahawk, WI; brother's in law, Wedge Cummings and Robert Hilbert, step daughter, Jane (Steve) Wiggins and granddaughter Sheila Taylor. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons, Michael (Michelle) Caramella of Austin, Nevada and Patrick Caramella of Gladstone, MI; daughters, Maria Caramella of Florence, WI and Nicole (Shawn Barnes) Caramella of Iron Mountain, MI, grandchildren, Alissa, Anna & Emma and Sara Caramella, Orrin Parker, Nick Dishaw and Kailey Barnes; step children, Brenda (Ron) O'Brien, Don (Colleen) Maki and Ann Maki (Dennis Brown); grandchildren, Chris Taylor, Jim (Jen) and Dan Wiggin, Zach Love, Josh and Caitlyn Maki and many nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place, at his request. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Bergland, MI on Friday, July 28, 2017, at 11am EST, with Fr. Michael Jacobus as celebrant. Visitation from 10-11am at the church. Military Rites will be accorded by The O.C.V.A. A Celebration of Life will follow at The American Legion in White Pine, MI. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery in Houghton, MI.