Mario Pruna Carlos, a devoted family member, cherished member of the community, and an established artist and educator, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2024, after 2 years of battling cancer.

Mario was a beloved husband to Dr. Mark L. Pope, who passed away on Sunday, January 29, 2023. He was the son of the late Oscar Ulderico Soriano Carlos and Felicidad Bugay Pruna. Mario was the 6th child in his family and is survived by his siblings Carmen Cruz, Rolando Carlos, Elena Quicho, Oscar Carlos Jr., Ferdinand Carlos, Mercedita Carlos, Bernardo Carlos, Ofelia Pangilinan, Anthony Carlos, Vincent Carlos, Alicia Gatdula, Angela Carlos, Rafael Carlos, and Josefa Carlos. He was preceded in death by his siblings Danilo Carlos and Amor Carlos. Mario is also survived by 52 nephews and nieces.

Mario’s impact extended beyond his family, as he was a dedicated member of the community. Throughout his 18 years as an educator, Mario’s passion for teaching and commitment to his students shone brightly. He taught Drawing, Figure Drawing, 2D & 3D Design, and Painting at St. Louis Community College for 18 years. Mario also taught and was a mentor to graduate students at Fontbonne University. His ability to connect with students and provide professional guidance was widely praised. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Mario was honored with the Teacher of the Year award in 2021 at St. Louis Community College. His dedication to his students and colleagues, his passion for the arts, and his unwavering commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on the Visual and Performing Arts community.

Mario was an established artist, known for his dedication to the creative process. His work had been featured in many exhibitions, showcasing his classically trained figurative painting and conceptual art installations as his main form of creative expression.

Mario received an associate’s degree in the Philippines and worked in architectural drafting for the shipbuilding industry. He had a deep passion for art, especially painting and drawing, and had attended many art classes in both the Philippines and San Francisco. Moving to St. Louis allowed him to focus on full-time fine art studies. He received an Associate of Fine Arts degree from St. Louis Community College and Bachelor of Fine Arts, Master of Arts and Master of Fine Arts degrees from Fontbonne University in 2003.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mario was an avid gardener known for his passion for plants and nature. This is shown in his woodland garden and a diverse collection of plants, including miniature hostas, rare Japanese maples, caudiciform plants, monstrose and crested cacti, and other succulents. He diligently cared for his plants, studying their behavior and gaining insight into their nature through research and planning. He was also remembered for his optimism and plans for the future, such as the farm he had bought in the Philippines with coconut trees, mangoes, papayas, bananas, and other tropical fruit.

Mario’s neighborhood, the University Heights trustees, have decided to rename the Marker Garden the Mario Carlos Memorial Garden, a fitting tribute to a man who brought beauty and inspiration to all aspects of his life. Mario’s impact on the community will be remembered for years to come.

Mario’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew him, but his memory will continue to live on through the impact he made on the lives of his students, colleagues, and loved ones. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered for his kindness, dedication, and unwavering spirit.