Ernest Mario

Dr. Ernest Mario, a leader in the pharmaceutical industry, passed away at his son’s home in Durham NC on October 20, 2024, after a six-month battle with pancreatic cancer, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking leadership and contributions to healthcare and education. He lived at various times in Princeton, NJ; Palo Alto, CA; London, England; Wilmington, NC; and Key West, FL. He was 86.

Married for 59 years to the former Mildred Martha Daume, who passed in 2020, “Pop-Pops” was deeply loved and respected by his surviving family: three sons, Christopher Mario of Key West, FL, Greg Mario (Lauren) of Miami, FL, and Jeremy Mario (Jennifer) of Durham, NC; eight grandchildren (Griffin, Chloe, Madeleine, Brigitte, Gretchen, Reid, Charlie, and Millicent), two great-grandchildren (Mattie and Rosie), and many dear nieces, nephews, and great nieces and grand nephews, in addition to his companion, Carolyn Schaefer of Indianapolis, IN.

Born in 1938 in Clifton, New Jersey, to immigrant parents, Dr. Mario was educated in public schools, graduating high school at just 16 years old before earning his Bachelor of Science degree from Rutgers University College of Pharmacy, which in 2001 was renamed the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy in his honor. He went on to earn his MS and then his PhD in physical science at the University of Rhode Island.

Dr. Mario began his career as a pharmacist and researcher, working his way up through quality control and manufacturing at Strasenburgh Labs, SmithKline, and Squibb, to eventually become the CEO of Glaxo Inc (USA) and then Glaxo Holdings (Worldwide) from 1986 to 1993, where he played a pivotal role in the company's growth. His tenure at Glaxo was marked by significant advancements in pharmaceutical development, bringing five major products to market and overseeing the company’s growth from the 69th-largest pharmaceutical company to the second largest in the world over a span of six years.

After Glaxo, he served as chairman and CEO of Alza Corporation, guiding it through its acquisition by Johnson & Johnson in 2001. He then served as CEO of Reliant Pharmaceuticals, helping lead the company to its acquisition by GlaxoSmithKline in 2007. He joined the board of Soleno Therapeutics in 2007 and served as chairman and CEO until 2014 when he stepped down from the CEO role, remaining chairman until his resignation only two months ago in August 2024.

He was also the lead director/non-executive chairman of Pharmaceutical Product Development, Inc, based in Wilmington, NC, from 1993 to 2009. Dr. Mario joined Pappas Capital in 2002 as a member of their Scientific Advisory Board, becoming a Venture Partner in 2011.

Throughout his career, he served on numerous corporate boards including Boston Scientific Corporation, Celgene Inc., and Kindred Biosciences, and was actively involved in healthcare education, notably as honorary chairman of the APhA, and as chairman of the American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education Board for 15 years.

Dr. Mario’s contributions extended to the non-profit sector, where he served in leadership roles with organizations such as the American Lung Association, the President’s Council on Fitness, The Gladstone Institute, Stanford Hospital, and Robert Wood Johnson Hospital among others. He has served as a trustee of Duke University (1989-2007), Rutgers University (1986-1992), University of Rhode Island (1978-1986), and Rockefeller University (1989-2000).

In late 1998, when the Duke University Health System was formed as a distinct entity within Duke University, Dr. Mario was invited to be the founding chair of the DUHS board of directors. He served as chair until 2007. His service as a trustee of Duke University spanned 18 years, making him the longest serving non-family trustee in the school’s history. In 2009 he was awarded the University Medal for distinguished meritorious service, Duke's highest recognition of service to the school.

In 2007, Dr. Mario was awarded the Remington Honor Medal, the highest recognition in the pharmaceutical profession. He also holds honorary doctorates from both the University of Rhode Island and Rutgers University. As a youth, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, and in 2000 he was awarded the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award for his service to youth.

Along with his family, philanthropy brought Dr. Mario one of his great joys, especially the creation of the Mario Family Foundation, which aims to support educational and economic opportunities and historic preservation.

He will be remembered by his family and friends not just for his business success, uncompromising integrity, and philanthropic endeavors, but also for his love of family get-togethers, classic Corvettes, sitting in the sun working the New York Times Sunday crossword puzzle, and making enormous pots of his famous spaghetti Bolognese to be shared around a large table. He had formidable card-playing skills, which he continued to display and teach to his grandsons right up until his final weeks. He will be greatly missed.

A public memorial event will take place at the Edith Memorial Chapel at The Lawrenceville School in Lawrenceville, NJ, on December 7 at 2 pm. Reception to follow. Please indicate if you plan to attend with a note to memorial@mariofamily.com. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Open Table Ministry, a Durham nonprofit that helps the homeless and that was a favorite charity of both Ernie and Millie. www.opentableministry.org