Jan 21, 1929 – Sept. 13, 2022
Mario R. Mariani of Redondo Beach, California passed away at the age of 93 in his home on Sept. 13, 2022.
He was born in New York City to Ralph and Lena Franco on Jan. 21, 1929.
He was raised in New York City, attending Benjamin Franklin High School, and graduating in the class of 1948. His interests were in track, a Cappella, and R.O.T.C Band. Mario was also the president of the school’s orchestra. The love of music ran deep in his family. In fact, Mario, his father, and his older brother all played French horn in the New York Philharmonic for years before the family moved to Los Angeles, California.
Mario continued his love of music as he was assigned to the band in the U.S. Army. After serving his country, he decided a new occupation was in his future. Sears and Roebucks were hiring painters. Mario stayed with the company for 25 years before retiring. His retirement was not long-lived, however, as he then worked for Los Angeles County for another 20 years.
Mario left behind 4 children: Karen (Mariani-Forschler) and Paul Martineau of Anthony, Florida, Fred (Mariani) and Ester (Buenaventura) Forschler of Whidbey Island, Washington, Nancy (Mariani-Forschler) and Jerry Johnson of Chino, California, and Howard (Mariani) and Ann (Naillon) Forschler of Ivins, Utah.
He was a grandfather of 13, great-grandfather of 32, and great-great-grandfather of 12.
He will be missed by many.
A graveside service will be held on Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, at 11 am, at the Ivins City Cemetery, 200 W 400 North, Ivins, Utah.
Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff St., St. George, Utah, (435) 673-2454. Family and friends are invited to leave a memory on Mario’s obituary page at www.spilsburymortuary.com