Obituary of Attilio Mari

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Attilio “Arthur” Mari, former owner of Arthur’s Shoe Repair in Cambridge, passed away at the Lahey Hospital & Medical Center on Monday morning, January 25, 2021.   The beloved husband of Mary (Frazier) he was 81 years old.

Arthur was born in Salerno Italy, a port in the southeast of Naples.  He was the son of the late Attilio and Minola Mari.   When dad passed away his mom remarried, and his stepdad Tranquillino Citro helped to raise him.  Arthur’s family lived through World War II in Italy and his father was a prisoner of war.  After the war ended Arthur’s family came to the United States and settled in Somerville.  He would meet his future wife Mary Frazier while they were in school together.  They married in 1961, lived in Somerville for a period before moving to Burlington in 1974.

Arthur’s family had a history in the shoe repair industry, it was a generational business.  After learning the craft at the age of 16 he opened his owner Store, Arthur’s Shoe Repair on Mt. Auburn Street in Cambridge.  He owned the business for over 50 years. After his retirement, his son Robert took over the family business and eventually his grandson Chris and Nick worked there as well.    With his outgoing personality and his strong work ethic it was the perfect job for Arthur.  He was a patient man that excelled at his craft. Arthur could take a pair shoes or boots and make them look like new!    He always received great reviews from his customers and his business had a steady following.

Arthur’s life was his family and his work. He worked six days a week to provide for the family. His days were long but meaningful to him.  Dinner wasn’t served until 7 p.m. each night.   Arthur never really took a vacation but did enjoy an occasional visit to the Cape. He was very proud of his Italian heritage and took a few trips back to Italy to visit family.

Arthur will be remembered for his outgoing personality, his talent, his strong work ethic and incredible love for his family.

Arthur was the beloved husband of Mary (Frazier). He was  the loving father of Arthur & his wife Lisa of Haverhill, Robert of Hanover, Lisa Gedick & her husband Paul of Burlington and John and his partner Fred of FL.   Proud grandfather of Chris, Matthew, Michelle, Daniel & Nick Mari, Nicole Checchi and Sean & Mari Gedick.  Great grandfather of Adriana, William & Jack.   Brother of Rosalie Laudadio of Somerville, Sr. Nancy Citro, Sisters of Notre Dame of Somerville and the late Joseph Mari & Vinnie Citro.   Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128/95 Woburn side) on Friday, Jan. 29 from 5-7 p.m.  Funeral from the Funeral Home on Saturday, Jan. 30 at 9 a.m.  Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret Church in St. Veronica Parish, www.stveronicama.org at 10 a.m.  Burial will be private.  In lieu of flowers memorials in Arthur’s name may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, MA Chapter, 309 Waverley Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452 www.alz.org