College of Marin

Mario graduated from San Rafael High School in 1940.  At San Rafael he was a member of the basketball team and light-weight football team leading them to consecutive undefeated seasons in 1939 & 1940. 

After high school, Mario went into the Navy where he honorably served as a gunner on a torpedo bomber in World War II.  When he finished his years of service, he returned to Marin to play football at Marin Junior College.  He played for two seasons in 1946 and 1947 earning All-Conference honors in his final year.  Mario, Dave Crandall, and Jay Simon teamed up for one of the best defensive lines in the school’s history.  Teammates and administrators marveled at the toughness he displayed with some saying he was the heart and spirit of the team. 

After Marin, Mario went on to play football at the University of San Francisco.  In 1950, James Ghilotti sold the family construction business to his sons, which Mario has been involved with ever since.  Mario, through the family business, has been at the forefront of donating money and services to help build a strong Marin County as well as revitalize athletic fields around the Bay Area.  This list includes the San Rafael High School track and soccer field, community field at Redwood, Lefty Gomez field at Novato High School, the soccer field and rugby fields at Saint Mary’s College, and USF’s soccer and baseball fields. 

He also has led fundraising efforts for numerous other groups and organizations, including endeavors to honor military veterans.  In 1989, Mario received special recognition by the Marin High School Athletic Hall of Fame.