Born to Olivia (1936-2008) and Gustavo Morales Sr. in Pharr, Texas, Mario was the eldest of eight children, having had three brothers and four sisters, two of which have preceded him in death; Esmeralda Clavel (1968-2003) and Maria Morales (1967-2011). An avid football fan, Mario was a staunch supporter of the Dallas Cowboys, having committed himself to watching each game and even attending a few during the duration of his lifetime. He retired in 2013 from the corporate food industry after having worked nearly three decades at MBM. Mario spent the remainder of his shortlived retirement in bliss with his father, family, and friends. In addition to leaving behind his father and remaining siblings, he also leaves behind twenty eight nieces and nephews and fifteen great nieces and nephews.