Amico Mariani

AUSTINTOWN - Amico Mariani, 76, passed away Thursday evening, July 27, 2017, at Hospice House, after a courageous battle with AML (leukemia).

Amico was born Sept. 19, 1940, in San Pietro Avellana, Italy, the son of the late Adamo and Elvira Carlini Mariani, and came to America and Youngstown in December of 1956 with his family.

When he arrived in the U.S., Amico spoke no English, and was enrolled in St. Joseph School to learn the language, eventually graduating from Ursuline High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, and was discharged from the service as a lance corporal in 1963.

All through school, Amico worked odd jobs, always keeping busy, and became an assistant manager with Woolworth’s. After serving in the military, Mr. Mariani worked for Wean United, and retired from Warren Fabricating.

Just about more than anything, Amico loved to build and was considered a “renaissance man” and a master craftsman. He completely remodeled his home, and built fountains, bridges, trellises, and structures in his yard to resemble an Italian village. A wonderful storyteller, Amico enjoyed bringing joy to others and generously opened his beautiful home every year for a traditional stomping of wine grapes, the Bacchanalia.

Amico leaves his beloved wife of 37 years, his sought-after “green-eyed blonde,” the love of his life, Patricia Johnson Mariani, whom he married April 18, 1980; a son, Todd (Nicole) Mariani; two stepchildren, Lori (Curt) Koch and Brian Waller; four grandchildren, Nathan Boals, Vince Koch, Nico Mariani, and Gina Mariani; two great-grandchildren, Eloise and Joseph Boals; and many, many friends.

He will be truly and sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Besides his parents, an infant sister, is deceased.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a memorial service celebrating Mr. Mariani’s life on Sunday, Sept. 3, at 12:30 p.m. at Crossroads Church on South Meridian Road.

Special thanks are offered to Pat’s sister, Judy Capirano, “the assistant” for her constant presence and source of comfort; to dear friends and family, Patty and Joe Houk, Mark Holmes, Nick and Kelly Shirey, Ryan and Ashley Reese, and to countless other family and friends. Thanks of gratitude are offered to Dr. Glenn Novak, and to the staff of Hospice House, for the kindness shown and care given to Amico and his family during his illness.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Rd., Youngstown.