Mario Guzman Casarez
December 17, 1936 ~ July 10, 2019

Mario passed away peacefully on July 10, 2019 at Saddleback Memorial Hospital with his family present. He was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, and was the third eldest of 12 children. At age 19, Mario entered the U.S. Marine Corps where he proudly served his country for 26 years. Prior to his honorable retirement from the U.S. Marine Corps, Mario attained the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant (E-9) and earned numerous awards including an M-16 Expert Rifle Badge, .45 Caliber Pistol Marksman Badge, 2- letters of appreciation for Meritorious Mast, Good Conduct Medal (w/7*), National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal (w/device), Vietnam Service Medal (w/2*), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (w/1*), Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry (w/palm & frame), Presidential Unit Citation and a Meritorious Unit Citation (w/1*).

After his retirement from the U.S. Marine Corps, Mario began a second career at the U.S. Postal Service (General Mail Facility, Santa Ana,) for 20 years.

Mario is survived by his wife of 59 years, Katsuko, his three adult children: Linda, Ruby, and David. He also left behind four grandchildren.

As an avid marathon runner, Mario fulfilled his lifelong dream of qualifying for and completing the Boston Marathon in the late 1970's. In his younger years, Mario was an avid golfer and fisherman. Mario will be greatly missed by his friends and family.

Mario will have a military burial at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego on August 19, 2019.