Peter Paul Mariani Jr.

MARIANI, Peter Paul, Jr., 81, of East Lyme, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday October 27, 2024. Peter was a father, businessman, and fisherman, dedicating his time to his children and his community. He and his surviving wife Diane were happily married for over 50 years.

Peter was born in New London on March 3, 1943, the oldest child of Peter Paul Mariani Sr. and Alida Dufresne Mariani. He grew up in Groton, taking his role as the eldest child seriously, equally protecting and torturing his siblings and carving a wide path for them to follow with his love for a good youthful indiscretion. After graduating from The Portsmouth Priory School, Peter attended Lehigh University, graduating in 1966 alongside his Delta Tau Delta brothers with a degree in political science.

After attending law school in Washington D.C., Peter joined the Connecticut National Guard. Soon after, Peter met Diane Panzarella on a dinner cruise, and they have been together ever since. The couple married in 1968, settling in East Lyme where they raised their children and enjoyed their grandchildren.

After beginning his business career, Peter operated United Electric Supply and then founded Advantage Mortgage. He served on the boards of Mitchell College, the Garde Arts Center, Coastal Savings Bank, and Chelsea Groton Savings Bank. He was also a member of the East Lyme Planning and Zoning Board and involved in the Niantic Bay Boardwalk’s creation. In all those avenues, Peter’s ability to use his humor and direct nature to create consensus shone.

Some of Peter’s most cherished memories centered on boating and fishing with his father, grandfather, and siblings. He built similar memories with his family, chasing tuna throughout the Atlantic and “camping” on the boat at Napatree Point. Everyone at Seaport Marine and the Dockominiums knew “Big Pete”; for decades he was the unofficial marina mayor, walking the docks to share his daily witticism. 

Peter was also a beloved patron of the local restaurants, always quick with a smile and ready to hold court. As he loved to say, he was great at cocktail parties because he “majored in unrelated minors.” Indeed, after Peter retired, he and Diane went to lunch together every day, entertaining everyone with their banter and jokes. And no one was more enthusiastic or shockingly graceful on the dance floor than Peter.

To those he leaves behind, Peter will always be remembered as a great friend, mentor, and father. The memories, life lessons, and stories that he gifted to us will bring smiles for generations to come.

Along with his beloved wife, Diane, Peter is survived by his three loving children: Nicole Mariani, Peter Paul Mariani III and his wife Heather, Joseph Mariani and his wife Sara; and five adoring grandchildren: Logan Dannemiller, Nora Mariani, Frankie Mariani, James Mariani, and Hayden Mariani, six siblings: Lenore Milner, Ralph Mariani, Paul Mariani, Alane Messina, Dedee Messina and Evelyn Cirielli; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Peter was also a dedicated dog parent; there were always dog treats in his pocket “just in case.” While he had many well-loved four-legged companions, he spent his golden years with his rescue coon hounds Iggy and Dusky.

Celebration of Life will be held Sunday June 8, 2025 from 3:30pm to 6:30pm at Langley's Restaurant at Great Neck Country Club in Waterford CT.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Peter’s memory to the Connecticut Humane Society, 169 Old Cutler Road, Quaker Hill, CT 06375.