The basics
Quick facts
Intro
Tour operator
Gender:
Male
Birth:
1 January 1927
Death:
28 February 2003
The details
Biography
Mario Perillo (Aug 15, 1926 - February 28, 2003) was an American businessman and Chairman of Perillo Tours, Inc. and a widely respected pioneer in the travel industry. He expanded his father's business into the largest US operator of tours to Italy. He was perhaps best known to the public for his television commercials during the 1980s and 1990s, earning him the nickname "Mr. Italy."
Perillo was born in 1926 and owned (but never resided in) the historic Achenbach House in Saddle River, New Jersey which was adjacent to his longtime residence on Apple Ridge Road. His son Steve Perillo lived in the house until it was almost completely destroyed by fire in 2004.
Mario Perillo died in 2003, aged 76.