Students Reflect on Memories of Security Guard, Mario V. Fiumara

By Annie Gombiner

Mario V. Fiumara, a beloved New Rochelle High School security guard, passed away on December 27, 2023. He served New Rochelle with great dedication in the Department of Public Works for thirty years and New Rochelle High School’s Security Department for nine years. 

I first met Mario in tenth grade, and for the three years I knew him, he provided me with unwavering support. Earlier this year, I told him that I was interested in law, and every time I saw him after that, he would call me “the future best attorney in Westchester county.” His kindness and support still motivates me to work hard in school. 

He extended his warmth to countless other students, some of whom have chosen to share their own memories of Mario. 

“Mario was such a good security guard. He was basically an uncle to me. There was never a day that you wouldn’t see him smiling; he was very caring, always checking up on everybody. I was so sad to hear about his passing, and I’m sending my condolences to his family.” Gabrielle Marcelin, ‘25

“I remember that every single day at lunch he would always check in on me and my friends and offer us food in case we were still hungry. He’d always check in to see how our weekends were and how life was.” Dylan Rittenberg, ‘25

“He sang happy birthday to me last year. It was such a cute moment.” Hannah Klupt, ‘25

“He was a very kindhearted man who always made an effort to engage with students. Every day when I would walk into House 4 cafeteria for lunch, he would give my friends and me a fist-bump and wish us luck on our next soccer game. He was a very sweet man who will be deeply missed.” Alex Rivera, ‘24

“He was a great man, and he was always a funny guy in the cafeteria.” Lennox Lee, ‘22

“Mario was the first staff member I met last year as a freshman. The first thing he ever told me was, ‘Hey, go up to that security guard and call him by his first name.’ The guard was about to snap at me, and I’m pretty sure my exact words were, ‘Mario told me to.’ Mario and the other security guard started laughing so hard; he had a really good sense of humor. After that, every single day I would walk past him in House 4 and he would compliment my style.” Naima Castillo, ‘26