Daniel Henry MARIONI

On July 21, 2013 our loving father, brother, and friend Daniel Henry Marioni left this world in Napa, California. Dan was a kind, generous, and thoughtful man who was known as "Big D" not only for his stature, but for his big heart as well. He will be greatly missed by those who love him. Dan was the oldest of four sons of Dario and Marian Marioni. He was born in Denver, Colorado on December 9, 1944. His family relocated to Sonoma, California where Dan enjoyed playing sports with his brothers and helping his dad who was a local veterinarian in Sonoma. Dan attended Sonoma High School and excelled in academics and sports. During his senior year, he was all-league in football, basketball and baseball. He was also selected to play in the North-South All-Star football game. He was one of the first athletes from Sonoma High School to be inducted into the Dragon Athletic Hall of Fame. In addition to Dan being a gifted high school athlete, he was also a student leader. He graduated near the top of his class, was student body President his senior year, President of Future Farmers of America and was selected to be a foreign exchange student to Austria in 1961. After graduating, he attended Santa Rosa Junior College where he continued to excel in sports. Dan played two years of football. As a freshman, he was named all-league and earned All American Honors on the national level. Dan transferred to Sonoma State University where he received two varsity letters in golf and earned his degree in Education. His first teaching assignment took him to Tulare, California where he taught English and coached swimming. In 1971, he married Elizabeth Pierce and moved to Prescott, Arizona where he began teaching high school English and coaching at Prescott Unified School District. There he coached football, baseball, tennis and golf. Dan took great pride in coaching, and with his competitive nature, led many of his teams to division championships. Dan's teaching and coaching career continued in Prescott for 31 years until his children graduated from high school. After retiring in Prescott, Dan returned to northern California where he taught and coached tennis for one year. His career totaled more than 32 years. He finally retired from teaching and coaching and spent the remainder of his life with his longtime companion and best friend, Charlene Groskopf. Dan and Char enjoyed spending time together at their home in Napa, but he could often be found enjoying lunch at the Swiss Hotel while telling stories about his family, driving around with his favorite dog Ellie, or playing a round of golf at one of the courses in Sonoma or Napa. Golf, one of Dan's favorite activities, was something he enjoyed for over 45 years. He not only loved to play golf, but became a student of the game: watching, reading, and coaching it. Dan was a good golfer and a lucky one as well, having shot five hole-in-ones in his career. In 1987, Dan was one of the only golfers in the U.S that accomplished the rare feat of scoring a double eagle on a par 5, then on next hole, he hit a hole-in-one...going five under in two holes. Dan was very gregarious and always quick with a smile, which endeared him to people wherever he went. He frequently told stories about his hometown and many of the stories involved his parents and brothers, who he was very proud of and loved very much. Those who talked to Dan could see that he was a great father who was very loving, devoted, selfless, and protective. He was very proud of his four children and always eager to share about their accomplishments. Dan's greatest joy was his children and being a loving dad and grandpa. Dan is survived by his children Matt, Amanda (Mark) Schiller, Michael and Andrew; two grandsons, Landon and Pierce; Charlene Groskopf and his brothers Jim, Bill and Hank Marioni and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins. A Celebration of Dan's Life will be held at the Swiss Hotel in Sonoma on Monday, August 19th at 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice. Duggan's Mission Chapel Mission Cremation Service Sonoma, CA