We are sad to share the news that Mario Segale, the man that was the inspiration behind Super Mario’s name, has passed away at the age of 84.
As the BBC reports, Segale was a successful property developer and, in the 1980s, had leased a warehouse to Nintendo of America who soon decided to name the iconic Italian plumber after him.
“Mario had a gift for chewing you out while making you want to work harder,” his obituary shares. “He was known for his ability to lead with his own iconic style and having the vision to always know exactly where he was headed next.”
But, while many will remember him for his association with Nintendo’s beloved character, Segale wanted to be known for what he had achieved in his life.
His obituary adds: “While he was the inspiration for the name of Nintendo’s ‘Super Mario’ from when they were tenants in his business park in the 1970’s, he always ducked the notoriety and wanted to be known instead for what he accomplished in his life.”
Segale is survived by his wife of 62 years, Donna, his four children and nine grandchildren. We would like to extend our condolences to them at this sad time.
