James J. Mariano Sr.

Warren—James J. Mariano Sr, 100, passed away Saturday, November 17, 2018 at Hospice House in Poland, Ohio.

            He was born January 12, 1918, in Warren, Ohio, the son of the late Vincenzo James and Michelina Maiorano.  He was extremely proud of his age and made sure everyone knew how many months past 100 he was.

            He was a graduate of Warren G. Harding High School. He retired from Republic Steel Corporation as a machinist after 41 years. James was a member of St. John Paul II Parish (St. Joseph Church) in Warren, the Mahoning Valley Chapter of Ex. P.O.W s, DAV, and the VFW. He was also a member of the Cinquanta Club of the Oblate sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. James was the oldest member of the YMCA.

            In the weeks before, Memorial Day he was active in placing flags on the graves of his fellow veterans. He made sure no one was missed. He tirelessly volunteered his time to serve his fellow veterans.  He was named a Community Star in 2012.

            He served our country in the U.S. Army 1^st Armored Division.   He was drafted April 2, 1941 and did basic training at Fort Knox. He was on maneuvers in Louisiana when Pearl Harbor was attacked. He was stationed in Northern Ireland for five months and then in England for 3 months before being shipped to North Africa. He saw action at Fort Faid Pass and Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia Campaign. He was captured on February 14, 1943 and taken to Italy where he labored for the Germans for five months. He was sent to Germany in September 1943 where he labored on a farm in Budow, near Danzing, Poland. He was forced on a march to escape the Russians, became disabled and was sent to another camp. He was liberated by the Russians on May 1, 1945. He was a POW for 27 months.

            He was deeply devoted to his wife and visited her every day at Shepherd of the Valley in Howland.  He joined her there in July.

            He is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Carmela Racco Mariano, whom he married January 24, 1946, two children Jeanne (Bill) Jackson of Sterling Heights. Michigan, and James J. (Sophie) Mariano Jr. of Chula Vista, CA, and two grandchildren, Jennifer(Scott) Parker, and Michelina (Andrew) Aune.

            He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Michael Principi, three brothers Patrick Mariano, Sr., Joseph “Gigi”, Valentino, and Angelo Principi, and three sisters Josephine D’Amico, Michelina Principi and Phyllis Padgett.

            Family and friends may pay their respects Tuesday, November 27, 2018 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. and Wednesday, November 28, 2018 from 9:00 to 9:30 a.m. at the Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel 1884 North Rd. NE, Warren, Ohio 44483.

            A Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, November 28, at 10:00 a.m. at St. John Paul II Parish (St. Joseph Church) in Warren with Rev. Christopher Henyk officiating.

            Burial will be in All Souls Cemetery in Bazetta.

            In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in James’s name the DAV or the Oblate Sisters of the Sacred Heart 50 Warner Rd. Hubbard, Ohio 44425.

            Family and friends may visit www.peterrossiandsonfh.com to view this obituary, sign the guestbook, and send condolences to James’s family.

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