SFC (R) Mario Ares, Jr., 60, of Huntsville, AL passed away on January 30, 2017. Mr. Ares retired from the Army after a 22-year career during which time he served in several positions including "The Old Guard". During his last 12 years of service, he was assigned as Transportation Coordinator aboard Air Force One. Mr. Ares had the honor of working for Presidents Reagan, Bush 41, and Clinton. His retirement event was held aboard Air Force One presided over by President Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. After retiring from the Military, Mr. Ares worked as a Protocol Specialist at the Space and Missile Defense Command until he retired due to illness. Mario traveled the world with the Presidents during his time at the White House and was a very loving and caring man. He loved his wife and daughter more than anything in the world. He was a huge Redskins fan and enjoyed going to as many games as possible. He loved playing "Dirty Board", going to Tunica and listening to "JLo". Mario was a very outgoing and fun loving guy who loved people. He was taken too soon by Dementia and FTD. He will be remembered and missed by his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his Father, Mario Ares, Sr.; Stepmom Lois Ares; Mother Eleanor Colon.

Survivors include his wife of 26 years: Lynda Ares; daughter: Martina Ares and stepson: James Ryan Martinez, all of Huntsville, AL; grandsons Jacob and Bobby Martinez, Athens, AL, his special sister and brother-in-law Fred and Maxine Kilgore, Madison, AL; brother Tony Ares, Ruther Glen, VA.

Visitation will be Friday February 03, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Berryhill Funeral Home followed by a Chapel service at 6:00 p.m. with Pastor Terrell Boyd officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery with full Military Honors. Berryhill Funeral Home is assisting the family.

A heartfelt thanks to our special "Angel", Ashlie Russell (caregiver).

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Association of Frontotemporal Degeneration Dementia (FTD). Donations can be made on line at https://give.classy.org/IHOMario or call 267-514-7221 for instructions to donate by mail or by phone for the Lynda Ares Fundraiser in honor of Mario.