Mario P. Lardizabal

Mario Paredes Lardizabal, 66 years old, of Wayne, New Jersey passed away peacefully on Monday, July 18, 2022 surrounded by his loving family.

Born and raised in Tagudin Ilocos Sur, Philippines to Solomon and Josefina Lardizabal, third of four children. He attended St. Augustine’s School in his hometown and was active in sports especially basketball. Joining the Jokers Basketball team forged lifelong friendships with other youngsters which have withstood the test of time. They will go the distance and across the globe to give support or celebrate milestones. After graduation in 1972, he attended FEATI University in Manila for nearly four years. Mario left school to assist his mother with managing their family business. He worked closely with relatives and local folks producing, processing, and buying a wide range of agricultural products to sell to commercial traders. These ventures enabled the locality to earn a livelihood since agricultural fields abound in the area.

Since kindergarten, Mario grew up with Cresencia Villanueva, a sweet & pretty girl. Their friendship bloomed further during their college years. Through the benevolence of God, they fell in love and married on July 10, 1982, recently celebrating their 40th anniversary. As newlyweds, Mario stayed in the Philippines while his wife worked as a nurse in Saudi Arabia. Mario and Cresencia welcomed the births of their daughters Kriezl and Karell. In 1992, Mario and his daughters joined Cresencia in the United States as another step in their journey for a better life together.

The Lardizabals initially settled in Clifton, NJ where they lived for four years. During this time, they welcomed the birth of their first son Mario Jr. (JM). The family moved to Wayne, NJ in 1996 where they celebrated the birth of their second son Krizmar. Wayne has been their home ever since. He worked at Troy Chemical for seven years. However the needs of the growing children compelled him to sacrifice and manage their daily necessities at home. Like any immigrant family, this arrangement was needed in order to survive and thrive in a foreign land. Mario treasured making his family his full-time job and was always there whenever his children and grandchildren needed him. He had always placed his loved ones, his most significant passion, first in every circumstance. They meant the world to him—his joy and inspiration.

Mario was a past President of the Eastern Tagudinians Association of the tristate area. He was always a vital link to his hometown, updating fellow townmates here of current events there as well as bringing back delicacies yearned by Tagudinians. He was not only devoted to his family but also to his Catholic Faith. His family are parishioners of Our Lady of the Valley and the Holy Cross Church in Wayne for many years.

Mario’s favorite pastimes were cooking and entertaining, reflecting not only his culinary skills but also being personable, kind, and generous. An accomplished chef, he specialized in cooking delicious dishes from the Philippines especially the Ilocos region. He cherished hosting parties to celebrate special milestones for family and friends. It’s awe-inspiring how he can prepare an array of dishes, practically a feast with little help which was truly a labor of love. Guests did not only have an enjoyable time but also left with loaded take out containers he provided. Aside from the served food, he would give away precooked frozen delicacies and bundles of fresh saluyot (jute) leaves, a rarity in Jersey.

He was not only a strong father figure for his close knit family, but his care and compassion extended to his distant relations and to those in need, no matter where he was. His support and guidance uplifted many families especially back home.

He had an infectious, signature laugh as well as an outgoing personality, practically lighting up the room wherever he went. He was able to captivate an audience with his vivid memory and engaging storytelling, reflecting life experiences and observations. Mario was truly special and exceptional, and graced the lives of countless people. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Mario is survived by his wife Cresencia, their children: Kriezl and her husband Jason Liaban of Wayne, Karell and her partner Mike Panara of Honolulu, HI, Mario Lardizabal, Jr. and his fiancée Erica Malacas of Belleville, NJ, and Krizmar of Wayne. Four grandchildren (with the fifth grandchild due in October) Ava Grace, Alexis, JJ and Jett Liaban. Left to also carry on his memory are brother Romeo Lardizabal and his wife Edna of Pomona, CA, and sister Fatima Bolosan of Artesia, CA. He was predeceased by his sister Juliet Mariano.

This obituary can only capture a modicum of the great love, faith, and enduring spirit that Mario Paredes Lardizabal bestowed to those he shared his singular life with. His joy and wonderful laughter will always echo and never be forgotten. Though the light in his eyes may have dimmed, it will never be extinguished in those beloveds who will forever carry his lessons, compassionate legacy, and devoted heart.