Born in Italy, Mario Marghella and his family immigrated to the United States when he was still a young boy. He grew up in Hudson County, attending North Bergen High School and then going on to college, receiving a degree from Long Island University and then to law school. He realized success as businessman at an early age. This allowed him to enter philanthropic activities that have contributed to the enrichment of countless lives in the northern New Jersey area.
Mario’s business career really began during the summer before he entered law school. He had taken a job in New York City’s famous Garment Center. He enjoyed the energy and drive of the business and soon established his own manufacturing company. Within a short time, Mario was employing over 250 people, manufacturing high-end coats for designers such as Calvin Klein and Perry Ellis. In time, Mario was elected President of the American Cloak and Suit Manufacturing Association, which represented 820 garment manufacturers. The Association was at the forefront of lobbying Congress as well negotiating union contracts and labor issues within the industry.
While Mario worked in both the private and public sectors in New Jersey, it was evident that he had more to offer the community. Whether his involvement centered on enormous challenges in the public’s interest, or one-on-one role, Mario was there to help others. He played a key role with the New Jersey Department of Health during the numerous transitions that took place within the evolving health care industry and the challenges that it presented to independent hospitals.
As an advocate for others, Mario’s strong belief in public service led to his role in the North Bergen Board of Adjustment, where he served as the Vice Chairman for nine years. As important as his efforts were within the political landscape of local politics, Mario still believed that he could do more. In 1991, a friend asked if he would be interested in joining a hospital board. Mario recognized the vital role that hospitals play in the community and promptly agreed. That year, he became a member of the Passaic General Hospital Center’s Board of Governors, a position that continues to this day.
Over the years, Mario has served as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Passaic Beth Israel Hospital and as a member of the Advisory Board at Atlantic Health System. In addition, he served as the Chairman of the Quality Committee for Passaic General Hospital Center, Passaic Beth Israel Hospital and Atlantic Health System, where he was also Chairman of Marketing. Mario has also served on the St. Mary’s Hospital Board of Trustees. Subsequently, Mario was appointed Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees and a member of the Executive Board. He was also Chairman of the St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation and Chairman of the Quality and Safety Committee. He has served as the Co-Chair for the hospital’s annual Golf Classic and the Gala Dinner Dance for many years.
After many years serving the Passaic community, Mario more recently joined the Hackensack Meridian Northern Regional Advisory Committee and the Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation, Northern Region Board of Trustees.
Mario has spent a considerable amount of time devoted to humanitarian efforts, but his greatest joy is still based at home with his family. Mario and his wife, Jane have three children: Alexandra, Christian and Joseph. Now they also have a son-in-law, Shane and a grandson, Luca. In Mario’s words “Watching my children and grandchild grow and accomplish so much, is the greatest joy of my life.”
