Gerardo G. Mariano

Mr. Gerardo G. Mariano, of Waltham, died Sunday, December 22, 2024 in his home. He was 86.

Gerardo was born in Bonito, a small village in the Province of Avellino, Italy on March 23, 1938. A son of the late Arcangelo and Ada (Marenghi) Mariano, he was raised in Italy, serving in the Italian Army in the 1950’s and teaching at both the secondary school and university levels. He eventually earned his PhD in European history, philosophy and languages at the University of Naples in 1970. 

Soon after finishing his studies, he embarked on a journey to America aboard the SS Michelangelo in 1971. He settled in Hyde Park near family for several years before moving permanently to Waltham in 1979. Gerardo held a myriad of jobs in the early years and later taught Italian and history at Waltham middle and high schools, eventually transitioning to the food industry. He owned and operated several food service businesses until finally, in 1985, establishing Francesca Restaurant in Newton, operating it for 30 years until his retirement.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased in early 2000 by his beloved wife, Emilia V. (Grieco) Mariano.

He leaves his children, Ada Maria DiLetizia (Gino) of Hyde Park, Arcangelo V. Mariano of Waltham, Gerardo Mariano, Jr. (Cheryl) of Sherborn, Francesca Pisano (Jason) of Waltham, and Isabella Bauters (Ray) of Framingham; his grandchildren, Luca, Emilia, Giuliano, Sofia, and Livia Mariano, Gabriella and Nico Pisano, and Gerardo, Antonio and Adelina Bauters; his brothers and sister, Vincenzo Mariano of Caserta Italy, Carlo Mariano of Saugus and Elisa Mariano of Chiuduno Italy and many nieces and nephews. 

Family and friends will honor and remember Gerardo's life by gathering for an Afternoon Wake in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham, on Sunday, December 29th from 2 to 5 p.m. and again at 11 a.m. on Monday morning before leaving in procession to Our Lady Help of Christians Church, 573 Washington Street, Newton, where his funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12 noon. Burial will follow in Knollwood Memorial Park, Canton.