Mario D'Avanzo (1931-2013)

It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of our dear friend and former stalwart Gorilla defensemen, Mario D'Avanzo. Mario was an integral part of the Gorilla family starting with Ira's scrimmages in the late 1970's. Known for his heady positional play as well as his quick wit and unique style of cerebral humor, Mario was respected and, most of all, loved by his team mates on and off the ice.

Mario, who's life resume was rich and varied including being a catcher on the Dartmouth College BB team and tenured professor of English at Queens College CUNY, made his Gorilla debut in Febuary, 1981 but played sparingly in the 1980's due to health reasons. He was able to overcome these issues to become a Gorilla mainstay from 1990 thru 1998 making him the 2nd oldest skater to Coach Ira to don the Green. Usually paired with versatile defensemen like Rob Yurman and Pat McMahon, Mario brought a steadying influence to those tandems. In all he played 111 games, contributing 24 points and 12 well-deserved penalty minutes.

Our thoughts and sympathies go out to Mario's long-time love of his life, Barbara Horn and to the rest of his family. Service plans are not known at this time. Any updates will be passed along. Needless to say, The Gorillas who knew Mario will be gathering soon, probably at one of our NY post-game haunts of the '80s or 90's, to pay honor to the one and only "Il Professoro".