Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead offers that Pavone was not only "great bass player [but also a] big-hearted mensch.

When his Town Plot neighbor, world-renowned guitarist Joe Diorio, recognized him as an unrealized musician Mario was inspired to take up the bass.

Pavone began playing bass soon after witnessing John Coltrane at the Village Vanguard in 1961.

In the 1960s he was also involved in the jazz loft era, playing in jam sessions nightly in New York City.

His groups have included Matt Wilson, Gerald Cleaver, Peter Madsen, Joshua Redman, Tony Malaby, Dave Douglas, Steven Bernstein, George Schuller, Craig Taborn, and Jimmy Greene.