Frederick Paul Mariani

Freddy was the best . He took me under his wing when I went to SJC from HS in Miami. He became a great mentor and friend

I player for Fred at Saint Joe during a first year of coaching. He was a good man with a vast football memory. I wish I had talked to him allot more than I did. Many will remember him fondly as I do.

He was known as `Freddie´ to us. We enjoyed our genuine friendship together sharing our time, thoughts, youthful new experiences during our first two years at SJC. Freddie, Vicki Sugar, me & others like Madeline, Sharon, Janet. We´d sit in the lobby of the women´s dorm, often rolling over on our sides with laughter, not knowing at the time that this was something special. How fortunate I was-we were, to make such fond memories. And how heartening to read these thoughtful testimonials, knowing that Freddie continues to be appreciated, admired, and loved by so many. Thank you Freddie.

As a freshman D lineman I spent the bulk of my time going up against first and second string O line.
It was here where I had the opportunity to witness first hand what a great coach he was. The way he treated, coached, and cared for you guys as a unit and individuals left an indelible impression.
Some of my favorite memories of my Lehigh football experience evolve around Coach Fred.

I had the privilege of meeting Fred and his wonderful family when I was 8 years old while growing up in Teaneck NJ. We spent endless times together playing all sports through grade school. During this time my parents based on a divorce, resulted in my being raised by my wonderful mother who worked long hours. It was during this time that the Mariani´s took me in. I was at their house just about every day after school, and to this day I can still smell the incredible marinara sauce and meatballs that was cooking in the kitchen. During those years Mr. Mariani went out of his way to include me with many trips to the Jets/Giants training camps, Yankee games, Army football games, etc. He truly treated me like a son which ultimately made an incredible impact on me during a critical time in my life. For that and so much more, I will never forget the importance of what Fred´s friendship along with his family mean´t to me during those formative years. As the years went on, we stayed in touch even though we did not live near each other, while always reflecting on those priceless times. May you rest in peace my dear friend.......

Our daughters played tournament softball together. I remember sitting and talking with Fred all the time. What a sweet man and a loving father to Brook. He will be missed.

Godspeed, Ironman.

As everyone has mentioned, Fred will be greatly missed. I knew Fred on several different levels and my association with Fred had a distinct impact on my life and career. Fred and I were classmates and teammates at SJC '74. Fred never left St Joe as he began his coaching career there under our mentor Bill Jennings. In 1982, seven years into a high school teaching and coaching career, Bill Hogan and Bill Jennings offered me a coaching position at SJC, but it was Fred's words that "hooked" me. He said, "if you don't come now, you may never get the opportunity to coach in college again". That did it for me and that year became the beginning of a 34-year career at the collegiate level. I have Fred to thank for that. After nine years of coaching at SJC, Fred made the bold move to leave his comfort zone and step up to the next level at Morehead State. Had Fred stayed one more year at SJC, I have no doubt it would have been he and not me that was named head coach of the Pumas when Bill Jennings stepped down in '85. So, I also have Fred to thank for my 10 years as the head coach at our alma mater. Fred continued to look out for me and in '93 recommended me for an assistant coaching position at Lehigh University where Fred was on staff. I always wondered what success we would have had together had I taken the position. Fred was always looking out for others. At Coach Jennings 80th birthday celebration (pictured below), while making a presentation for Coach Jennings, Fred stopped and asked the crowd to keep my granddaughter in their prayers, as she was battling a severe illness at the time. Only Fred would do that.
So I will miss Fred on many levels: classmate, teammate, coaching peer but mostly as a friend. God speed Fred.

Freddie was a wonderful human being....kind, considerate, thoughtful, and caring. He loved his friends, his family and the game of football. I will always have a special place in my heart for dear Freddie.
Vicki Sugar.....a SJC friend

Condolences to the Mariani Family.
Freddy was a teammate and dear friend. He will be missed but his legacy will live on

I was a teammate of Fred at St. Joes. He was a hard worker and always had a smile on his face. He will be missed. Tom H.

My deepest condolences to the Mariani family on the passing of Fred. I had the pleasure of playing for Fred at St Joes back in the mid 70´s and he was one of the most prepared coaches I ever had played for. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. God bless Fred.

Coach pulled me aside on our way off the practice field. "Hey, looks like you had a bad day." I replied, "yes Coach". He arched back his 5´7" frame, grabbed my shirt collar with his pointer finger and said "no more bad days". Those four words continue to resonate with me... partly because I´m still a little afraid he´ll somehow know lol.

Good man who always put others ahead of himself. He taught with fervor and passion. Loved by many. He is forever.

God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Coach Fred picked me up for my recruiting weekend at Lehigh. He was and continued to be one of the sweetest men that I have ever met. He left an indelible mark on my heart. He will be missed.

My first memory of Coach Mariani was when I first met him at Fordham during my high school senior year football visit. He walked up to me, grabbed my right bicep and said "Wow you´re strong. How much do you bench press?" It was the first of many countless phenomenal lifelong memories and lessons he has given and taught me. I will love and miss you forever Coach. Until we meet again. Hopefully without the knee bend practices. With love and condolences, Brian Falconer

Coach, friend, mentor he was such a huge part of turning a country kid from Flatwoods, KY into a college offensive lineman. Later in life he always took my calls, listened and shot me straight in the coaching business! Love you Coach!!!