An interview Hello, my name is Jessica and my father is Mario Rosales. He was born in the city of angels, Los Angeles. My dad had the biggest personality and could make friends anywhere. He always wanted to do something with show business and as an adult, pursued an acting career. Later he found himself doing voice overs with his baritone voice and had a talk radio show. Later in life, he started to sing and realized how many people enjoyed listening.

(Me 10 years ago, and my dad)

He started doing shows in the Antelope Valley of California. Wanting to take his singing career farther, he moved to Branson, MO and knocked their socks off. My dad began making a tour of his shows that took him to many different states. He eventually took residence in Las Vegas but would travel around for shows and in the winter time, he would go to South Padre Island in Texas.

Mario loved to make people smile with his singing or jokes. He was the kind of man that would make sure you were taken care of. When you would first meet him, you might think he was just some big scary dude. Then once you talked, you would see his smile and what a kind person he can be.

He was 6’3” and an Air Force veteran. He would always say how proud he is of his 3 children and wouldn’t go anywhere without his giant air force ring.

My father was unwell for quite awhile but I didn’t know the severity. Last year We thought we were going to lose him but he appeared to had gotten better. He went on his yearly winter Texas tour and did a couple shows. When he thought he had food poisoning he canceled his show thinking he would get better. The day before he passed he tried calling me, but I was sleeping. I saw the phone and thought I’d just call him back later. I had no idea that was the last chance I had to talk to my father.

He asked to be taken to the E.R. around 3am on January 15 and when he arrived to the hospital, his heart stopped for 15 min. They couldn’t find any emergency contact and after hours, a police detective contacted my brother. At that time when I talked to the doctors, I knew I wasn’t getting my dad back. I rushed to the airport trying to get to Texas before he passed but I received news of his passing before I left CA. I was able to get to Texas with my brother so we could say goodbye.

This has easily been the most difficult thing I’ve had to do in my life. I miss him so much and want to give him a funeral that is true Mario style. I know he is looking down on me and everyone he loves, giving us a great big bear hug and singing with the angels. I love you daddio

An interview