Mario Francisco Canelon

Mario Francisco Canelon Florence, South Carolina Mario Francisco Canelon, 55, of Florence passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, November 8, 2011. He was the son of Maria Canelon and the late Mario Canelon. A devoted family man, he is survived by his wife, Barbara; two children, Matthew and Rachel; his mother of Florence; a brother, Eligio Canelon of Florence; and a sister Stephanie (James) Laurelli of N.Y.He leaves behind many relatives and friends. Mario was a graduate of Hunter College, N.Y. and received a M.S. from Iowa State University and a Master of Occupational Therapy at Texas Woman’s University.He was an accomplished occupational therapist/hand therapist and contributed to his profession on the state and national level. Mario’s passion for tennis extended beyond the court.He was an active tennis player and participated in numerous community and state tennis programs. He impacted both junior and adult tennis players throughout the state of South Carolina. Mario’s compassionate nature, his ability to be accepting of all, and his understanding of the human spirit will be remembered by those who had the privilege to know him. The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of McLeod Hospice. The family will receive friends at Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home on Thursday from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 4:00 P.M. on Friday, November 11, 2011 at St. Anthony’s Church.Mario’s wishes were to be cremated.The family invites friends to their home immediately following the services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Scleroderma Research Foundation. Please sign the guest registry at www.stoudenmiredowling.com.