Mario Zulli, Antiques Row dealer

ANTIQUES ROW on Pine Street might not be what it once was, a bustling wholesale market for furniture and other collectibles, but it is still a mecca for both serious collectors and the curious browser looking for ancient treasure.

Among the most popular of the dealers was Mario J. Zulli, who greeted visitors with a big smile and a hearty greeting for more than half a century.

More than a few celebrities showed up over the years, and left their photos and signatures for Mario to savor. But he was just as friendly and welcoming to ordinary folk, some of whom, when down on their luck, found a helping hand in Mario.

He died, probably the way he would have wanted to go, collapsing in his store, at 1020 Pine St., of a heart attack. He was 80, and lived in Springfield, Delaware County, and formerly in Secane.

"He treated everybody the same," said his son Joseph D. Zulli. "It didn't matter if they were big executives or celebrities. Everybody got a friendly greeting. It was his personality that drew people to his store.

"If someone was hurting financially, Mario would do his best for them, give them some work here and there, befriending them and buying them a cup of coffee or a meal.

"He was one of the last links to Pine Street when it was in its heyday," his son said.

Mario was born in Philadelphia to Joseph Zulli and the former Angelina Novelli, immigrants from Italy. He grew up in South Philadelphia and attended Southeast Catholic High School. After service in the Marine Corps, he embarked on his career on Pine Street.

He opened an antiques store in 1956, after working a few years in storefronts to the east of 920 Pine where his father, a master cabinetmaker, restored period furniture.

Until 1958, he lived within a stone's throw of the Italian Market, walking up 10th Street from Christian to his shop.

Antique dealers from all over the country came to Pine Street to buy pieces from Mario's and the other dealers on the row.

Among celebrities who shopped there were Liberace, Sergio Franchi, Joey Bishop and Michael Jackson, who liked to shop for antiques while performing here.

"He had a warm and affectionate personality," his son said, "and a fine sense of humor."

Mario was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus of the Pennsylvania De La Salle Council. For more than 50 years he attended the annual retreats at the Malvern Retreat House.

Besides his son, he is survived by his wife of 58 years, the former Rosemary L. Pisani; another son, Ronald D.; two brothers, Gerald and Albert; and four grandchildren. He was predeceased by a daughter, Patricia Cullen, and a brother, Dr. Louis Zulli.

Services: Funeral Mass 11 a.m. tomorrow at St. Kevin Church, 200 W. Sproul Rd., Springfield. Friends may call at 9:30 a.m. Burial will be in Ss. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Marple.

Contributions may be made to the Malvern Retreat House, P.O. Box 315, Malvern PA 19355. *