Obituary of John Anthony Mariani

John Anthony Mariani

John Anthony Mariani, age 78, was graciously delivered into the arms of our Lord on Monday, January 29, 2018 at Walnut Creek Health Care. Though he departed as a 45year resident of McKean, his story began on November 12, 1939 in Sewickley, PA to his late parents, Italian immigrants Salvatore and Louisa (Silvestri) Mariani. He graduated from Coraopolis High School proud of his athletics, especially football. John went on to attend Gannon College, where as a founding father, he established the fraternity Pi Kappa Alpha, Epsilon Upsilon Chapter. He was simultaneously enlisted as a sergeant in the Army Reserve. Soon after, John met and married the love of his life, Janet (Ramsey) Mariani, with whom he would devote 51 memorable years. Over time, the couple would welcome five children and build a family home in McKean, which continues to bless the next generation.

Fiercely loyal to his family and friends, John was also devoted outside of the home to his work and community. A longstanding parishioner at St. Francis Xavier Church in McKean, he related the teachings of Christ for 20 years as a CCD teacher. John also contributed to his community as a member of the McKean Water Authority. An employee of Mack Truck Sales of Erie and Sidley Truck Sales of Ohio, John's personable quality led to many long-term friendships with his clients.

Each chapter of John's life was eventful. From his youthful days polishing cars (The compliments I would get on my detail work!), gritty hours spent at the J&L steel mill (I wouldn't park my car within a mile of that place!), or stories about his old army pals (Oh, that trip to Florida, I'll tell ya.), he would often bend the ear of anyone fortunate enough to cross his path. Imparting the wisdom that only experience brings, we were all taught to "Think for an hour and work for a minute, don't think for a minute and work for an hour!" John rarely left a room without making an impression. His boisterous personality and notable no-holds-barred style of banter will long be remembered.

Aside from his parents, John was greeted in heaven by his sister and brother-in-law, Carlo and Helen Vapore, and in-laws, Paul and Vivian Betzner.

He is survived by his wife, Janet, his five children, Melissa Morris (Rob), Mark Mariani, Michael Mariani (Jennifer), Matthew Mariani (Jessamy), and Martin Mariani (Ashley), and was honored to be "Pop-Pop" to eight grandchildren, Ty, Mackenzie, and Caitlin Morris, Blake, Adam, Lukas, Samuel, and Mack Mariani. His legacy will also continue through many nieces and nephews.

John and his family send their gratitude to the nurses and staff at Walnut Creek Health Care, as well as Hospice of Metropolitan Erie.

Friends may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd. on Friday, February 2, 2018 from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. and are invited to St. Francis Xavier R.C. Church, 8880 W. Main Street, McKean, PA 16426 on Saturday, February 3, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. for the Funeral Mass.  Interment St. Francis Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Francis Xavier Church.