Mario Anthony Morales, AKA Jr, Mario Jr, Big Marz, and Super Mario, was born on June 15, 1987, in Santa Monica, CA to parents Mario and Doreen Morales. He had three brothers: Johnathan Robert, Mason Garrett, and Darren Vincent. He passed away on September 14, 2023, at home in Laguna Niguel, CA. He was 36 years old.

As a child, he attended Mar Vista Elementary School in Los Angeles, where he easily made friends. He was always eager to go to school where he enjoyed spending time with his friends. He was athletic and played baseball and practiced karate. He spent a lot of time with his older brother, Johnathan, bickering and playing make-believe, watching TV together, playing hide-and-seek with the neighborhood kids, and spending summers in their grandparents' pool. When he was 8 years old, in the summer of 1995, the family moved to Laguna Niguel, in South Orange County. Mario transferred to Laguna Niguel Elementary School where he adapted well. As he transitioned to Niguel Hills Middle School and subsequently Aliso Niguel High School, he continued to make friends and enjoy his hobbies, which mainly included playing and watching sports. He also liked to spend time with his friends and family. After graduating high school, he attended Saddleback Community College and Cal State Fullerton, where he majored in Business.

Mario was a huge sports fan. His favorite teams were the Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Lakers, and San Francisco 49rs. He also liked the Anaheim Ducks when they were winning. He enjoyed watching boxing and overall had an appreciation for good athletes, games, and matches in sports. Mario also liked a wide range of music. He was very insightful, witty, genuine, and incredibly kindhearted. His mom and dad loved him so much and were so proud to have him as a son. He was a bright spot of the family throughout his life.

Mario is survived by his parents Mario and Doreen, grandparents Mario and Cecilia, older brother Johnathan, younger brothers Mason and Darren, nieces Chloe and Nora, nephew Landon, and sister-in-law Lauren.

Services will be held Thursday, September 28th, 2023, 1:00 p.m. at McCormick & Sons Mortuary, 25002 Moulton Parkway Laguna Hills, CA 92637. A celebration will be held immediately after at Crown Valley Community Center on the Saddleback Deck at 29751 Crown Valley Pkwy, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 from 2:00pm to 5:30pm