Joseph R. Mariano Sr.

The world lost one of its very best when Joseph “Buster” Richard Mariano, Sr., loved by everyone who was fortunate to know him, died on Friday, August 5, 2022 at 81 years old. Mariano died peacefully at Cape May Regional Hospital surrounded by his entire family after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer. They just don’t make ‘em like Joe Mariano anymore and his passing will have a substantial impact on everyone he touched. Joe was a 1959 graduate of Monsignor Bonner High School, where he excelled at football and baseball and was drafted professionally by the Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals before deciding to take on the family business in 1971, Mariano Welding in Clifton Heights, where he had worked since the age of 11. His work ethic was unmatched, and nobody could outwork Joe, he could still be seen recently in his shop. Mariano also owned several other businesses locally throughout the years. Joe was well-known in Clifton where many referred to him as the unofficial Mayor, having known everyone in town and giving so graciously, not only monetarily, but of his time and in his kindness. He was honored as the Grand Marshal of the Clifton Heights 4th of July Parade last month alongside lifelong friend, Dominic Longhi. It was a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to the community and meant the world to Joe. Soft-spoken in nature, but larger than life in character “Buster,” who his closest friends affectionately called him, was the role model family man. His warm smile and contagious laughter welcomed those around him to sit and enjoy a Manhattan with him, play pinochle, or just take in a few innings of the Phillies game. A true icon of a man, Joe was someone whose presence was immediately felt when he entered a room. Joe was a man of faith, regularly seen at weekly mass at St. Francis of Assisi church in Springfield with his beloved wife, June, whom he devoted his life to through 60 fond years of marriage. Joe loved spending time with his family in Avalon, NJ where the family has enjoyed summers together for decades and he had a passion for playing softball in many leagues with teammates he called his closest friends. Survived by his dear wife, June (nee Harper), devoted father of Debbie (Anthony) Cotellese, Robin, (James) Lavelle, June (Steven) Falcone, Joseph Mariano, Jr., loving grandfather of Gabriele (Alexa), Steven, Nicholas, Arianna, Alexandria, Joseph lll, Sienna, Gianna, Isabella, and great grandfather of Gabriele Marcello IV, and dear brother of Dolores McNaughton. Funeral mass will be held on Friday, August 12, 2022 11:00 am at St. Francis of Assisi church at 136 Saxer Avenue, Springfield, PA 19064. The family will receive friends from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM with mass to immediately follow. Burial will be at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery at 1600 South Sproul Road, Springfield, PA 19064. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lombardofuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society at https://donate3.cancer.org or Cleft Lip & Palate surgeries @ rotaplast.org

Joseph R. Mariano Sr.

January 19, 1941 - August 5, 2022