Mario D. Macareno

Mario Dionisio Macareno, age 69, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 28, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with Central Nervous System Lymphoma. He passed away on his 44th wedding anniversary—a poignant testament to the enduring love and devotion that defined his life and marriage.

Born on December 6, 1956, in Kenosha, WI, Mario was the son of Refugio and Maria (nee Ochoa) Macareno. He was a 1975 graduate of Mary D. Bradford High School and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside in 1982.

On August 28, 1982, Mario married Tammy Thomas at St. George Catholic Church in Kenosha. From that day forward, they walked through life together, building a family and sharing 44 years filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments.

Mario had a passion for many things in life. An avid bowler, he was proud to have bowled a perfect 300 game and an 800 series. He loved golfing and especially cherished the annual golf trips he took with his buddies for many years. He enjoyed traveling, following all of the Wisconsin sports teams, and spending time with the people he loved. Mario was equally proud of his career as a sales manager in the tobacco and consumer supplies industries, a career that allowed him to build meaningful relationships and take pride in the work he accomplished throughout the years.

He was a devoted family man whose greatest joy was his precious daughters, who brought immense love into his life. He was deeply proud of the women they have become and treasured the lives they have built. His love for his grandchildren, Callum and Cam, was immeasurable, and to them, he was lovingly called “Papa.” He affectionately referred to Callum as “Spider-Man” and Cam as “Batman,” names that reflected the special bond and playful spirit they shared. Their bond brought him endless happiness, and he cherished the special memories they created together. Mario shared a close and loving relationship with his two sisters and was grateful for the love and closeness they shared throughout the years. Mario was also embraced wholeheartedly by Tammy’s family, who loved him dearly and considered him an important part of their family. The love and connections he shared with his family were among the greatest gifts of his life.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Tammy and their daughters Brittany (Dan) Smith and Danielle (Brandon) Martinez. Proud grandfather of Callum and Cam Smith. He is also survived by his sisters Amelia Macareno and Sonia (Jeff) Grancorbitz; nieces Christine Macareno, Jenna Grancorbitz, and Nicole Grancorbitz; sister-in-law Kimberly Thomas; brothers-in-law Robert (Rosie) Thomas, Thomas (Korin) Thomas; lifetime friends Tom (Sue) Heinisch, Jerry (Carol) Witkauskis, Noel (Cindy) Darling; other nieces, nephews, relatives, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the entire staff at the Cancer Center at Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa, with special thanks to Dr. Walter Longo and his staff at Moorland Reserve and Grace Clinic, Dr. Adam Currey, Dr. Musaddiq Awan, and Dr. Max Krucoff for the exceptional care and compassion they provided to Mario throughout his illness. The family would like to thank Horizon Home Care & Hospice for their compassionate care and support during his final days. A very special thank you to Mario’s sister-in-law, Kim, whose continued love, care, and support were a tremendous source of comfort to Mario and his family throughout his journey.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. Funeral Mass at Holy Apostles Catholic Parish, 16000 W. National Ave, New Berlin. In honor of Mario’s love of Wisconsin sports and his fun-loving spirit, family and friends are invited to wear their favorite tropical shirt or Wisconsin sports attire.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Strain for the Brain at https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/WI/Milwaukee/STRAINFORTHEBRAIN or checks can be made payable to Strain for the Brain and mailed to PO Box 656, Brookfield, WI 53008.