Mario Perillo (June 1, 1935 – July 5, 2020) was an American entrepreneur best known as the founder and longtime chief executive of Perillo Tours, a travel company that specialized in organized tours of Italy. He was often referred to in media as “Mr. Italy.”
Early life and education
Perillo was born in New York City to Italian‑American parents. He attended New York University, where he earned a degree in business administration.
Career
In 1955, Perillo founded Perillo Tours, initially offering small group tours to Italy from the United States. Under his leadership, the company expanded its offerings to include a variety of itineraries, ranging from cultural and culinary tours to luxury travel packages. By the 1990s, Perillo Tours was recognized as one of the largest Italian‑focused tour operators in the United States. Perillo was active in promoting Italian culture and tourism, frequently appearing in television commercials and public events to market his company's services.
Personal life
Mario Perillo was married to Teresa Perillo, and the couple had three children. His son, Michael Perillo, succeeded him as president of Perillo Tours after Mario’s retirement.
Death
Perillo died on July 5, 2020, at his home in Manhattan, New York, at the age of 85. His death was reported by major news outlets, which highlighted his contributions to the travel industry and his role in popularizing Italian heritage tourism among American travelers.
Legacy
Perillo’s influence on the niche market of Italy‑focused tours is credited with helping to shape modern experiential travel. The company he founded continues to operate, maintaining the brand identity associated with his “Mr. Italy” moniker.
This entry reflects information available from reputable news reports and publicly documented business records.
