Tennis in Bed Stuy lost its greatest champion this month, with the passing of the irreplaceable Mr. Mario. We are deeply saddened by this sudden loss. Just weeks ago, Coach Mario was sweeping up the Decatur Street tennis court, as he had done for so many years, in preparation for the lessons he would give to residents all that day. It didn't matter to Mario if his students were just beginning or if they were accomplished players, he brought the same high level of professionalism to every lesson he taught, regardless of whether he was paid for it (often he was not). He did it for the love of the game, and to share the joy and chance for growth that hard work and dedication to a sport can bring. At nearly 88, he was as fit and nimble as people a quarter of his age, and his master tennis strokes were legendary. 

We cannot replace Mr. Mario or fill the void his absence has left, but we want to honor his legacy by continuing his tradition of bringing the gift of tennis to our neighborhood.  We will be working out the details in the coming months, but funds from this effort will go towards:

-Mario Bonelli Memorial Youth Tennis Clinics
-Installing a plaque at Jackie Robinson Park and a painted mural at Decatur Playground Tennis Court
-Ongoing exposure to tennis for kids in the neighborhood by providing tickets to Arthur Ashe Kids Day at the U.S. Open
Main Organizers: Doreen Mensah and Crystal Bobb-Semple


Thank you for helping us to honor and continue Mario's legacy!