Mario Socci a longtime Needham resident died on Thursday, March 20th at caritas Good Samaritan Hospital in Brockton. He was 87 years old. Born in Italy, Mario was the son of the late Antonio and Lugia (Socci) Socci. He came to the United States in 1935 at the age of 15 and lived in Brighton. He took public transportation to Needham on a daily basis to work the fields at Volante Farms. In 1941 he enlisted in the US Army and served his country during World War II. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1945. In 1946 Mr. Socci went to work for the US Postal Service at the South Postal Annex in Boston. He retired from the Postal Service in 1976. Mario was a faithful parishioner of St. Joseph Church and was an avid gardener. The beloved husband of Amelia (Mazzenga), he was the loving father of Jean and her husband John Placanica of Needham, Anthony Socci of Needham, Marie and her husband Paul Vasil of Needham, Daniel and his wife Maria Socci of Needham, Elisa and her husband Stephen Rando of Dedham and the late Linda A. McDonald. Brother of the late Maria Michela and Carmine Socci. Grandfather of Dawn McDonald, Heather Fenton, Jennifer and Julie Placanica, Michael, Alyssa and Nicole Kendis, Joseph and Michele Temple, Stephanie Rando and Paolo and Ariana Socci. Also survived by 9 great grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews. Funeral from the Eaton Funeral home 1351 Highland Avenue Needham on Monday March 24 at 8:30 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Joseph Church at 10AM. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visiting hours on Saturday from 3-7 PM. Entombment Newton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donation in Mario’s name may be made to the American cancer Society 30 Speen St, Framingham MA 01701 or to the American heart Assoc. 20 Speen St, Framingham MA 01701.