Obituary of Elvira Mariani

Elvira “Nonni” Mariani, of Denville, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side in the comfort of her home on Saturday, June 22, 2019. She was 94 years young.

Born and raised in San Giorgio a Liri, Italy, to the late Antonio and Marianna Lucciola, she was one of 16 children. Elvira had a bit of a rugged childhood growing up in Italy during World War II. This facilitated her into becoming the strong and fearless yet nurturing and religious woman that she grew up to be. In 1951 she married her soulmate, Rocco Mariani. Together they started their precious family. It wasn’t until 1955 that they relocated to the United States and continued to grow their family, having 4 handsome boys in total. Her passions were church, classical Italian music, her garden, and above all, her adored children and grandchildren. Nonni was the true Matriarch of our family; she spoiled us with her homemade cooking and unconditional love on a regular basis. She made everything from scratch with extra TLC; her tomato sauce is unrivaled to this day. Nonni will be deeply missed by many but we take comfort in knowing she is safe in Heaven with her beloved Rocco and siblings who predeceased her.

She leaves only joyful memories to her loving children, Frank Mariani and his wife Jo Ann, George Mariani and his wife Cindy, Robert Mariani and his wife Flora, and Bruno Mariani and his wife Andrea; her cherished grandchildren, Cassandra Abosi and her husband Eze, David Mariani and his wife Jennifer, Daniel Mariani and his wife Elizabeth, Gabriel Mariani and his significant other Jocelyn, Anthony Mariani, Nicholas Mariani, and Rocco Mariani; her treasured great-grandchildren, Kingsley Abosi, Jack Mariani, Cameron Abosi, and Emma Mariani; and many niece, nephews, extended family and friends.

Public visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 26th from 4 - 8 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville, NJ. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 27th at 10 am at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 15 Myers Avenue, Denville, NJ. Entombment will follow at Restland Memorial Park, 77 Deforest Avenue, East Hanover, NJ 07936. Memorial Donations are being accepted to the Joey Bella Memorial Fund, 15 Myers Ave., Denville, NJ 07834. Please leave a condolence, light a candle, and share your favorite memory of Elvira with her family.