Nelson N. Mariano

Nelson Nicholas Mariano, 80, of Lawrence, MA passed away January 25, 2023, at Masconomet Health Center in Topsfield. MA, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Lawrence, he was the son of the late Joseph and Josephine (Martino) Mariano. He was a lifelong resident of Lawrence, growing up on Erving Avenue, and eventually moving to Ridgewood Circle after marrying. He met his wife, Patricia in 1978. Both enjoyed many an evening at Bishop’s Odah Room and were married in 1981.
 
Nelson was a graduate of Lawrence High School (class of 1961) and McIntosh Business School. Nelson’s professional career spanned 38 years at Lawrence City Hall as a clerk in the Tax Collector’s Office and finally serving as the Benefits Coordinator. 

As an avid sports fan, his love of sports started at a very young age. He was the equipment manager of the championship winning Lawrence High School football team 1957-58. Nelson also participated in a local drum core as a bugler. He enjoyed going to marching band stadium concerts and would often listen to the music at home drumming to the beat. Nelson was always fascinated with trains and over the years acquired a vast collection of them. So much so that a “train room” was created in the basement. It was there that his love of trains was shared with his son and grandson, often spending time in the train room building models and operating the trains. He was a regular at Modelers Junction Hobby Shop in Methuen, gaining the nickname of “the Mayor” and earning himself a leather chair at the shop.

On Sundays you could find Nelson watching Boston sports surrounded by his family who gathered there for a traditional Italian dinner. He cared deeply for his children spending hours at the Mount Vernon Park with his son, Joe. He was also his daughter Chrissy’s chauffer to dance class 2 and 3 times a week and loved attending all the recitals and competitions. Although not a baker himself, Nelson became his daughter’s official cookie taster during the holidays.

Later in life, Nelson’s grandchildren, Anthony, and Sofia became his ultimate joy. He loved sharing daily babysitting duties with his wife Pat, and even attended “Nana School.” As his grandchildren grew and moved on to school, Nelson took pride in all their individual accomplishments.

Nelson was a lifelong parishioner of the Holy Rosary Parish and a member of the St. Alfio Society of Lawrence for 30 years. Throughout those years Nelson demonstrated and shared his devotion to the Saints. He became a member of the council and served as the Financial Secretary.
 
Besides his parents, Nelson was predeceased by his brother, Ronald Mariano.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia (Giuffrida) Mariano; his children, Joseph Mariano and his wife Kelly of Lowell, MA and his daughter, Christina Mariano of Lawrence, MA; and his beloved grandchildren, Anthony, and Sofia. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law. Jo-Anne (Giuffrida) Corcoran and her husband Scott of Methuen, MA; cousins, Frank and Linda Pelosi of Sandown, NH and Charlene Bazarian of Haverhill, MA.
 
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Nelson’s memory to the St. Alfio Society,
20 Common Street, Lawrence, MA 01840.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, from 4:00-8:00 PM at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley Street, Methuen.  His funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at 10:00 AM at Holy Rosary Shrine, 35 Essex Street, Lawrence.  Burial will be in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Lawrence.