Frank Mariani Obituary

I knew Frank for many years. During all this time he proved to be the same stright forward no nonsense person. Always willing to give a hand wherever it was needed. Never pulled anything from behind. One mainstay in the ISSA. Never swaying away from his beliefs torwards the game of soccer. "Keep it simple and just play the game" he was always saying. How true not just in the game but also in life. To all his family, my family's deepest sympathy and prayers will be with you.

This afternoon, a friend called to inform me of Mr. Mariani's passing. The news saddened and stunned me. Mr. Mariani was a great influence in the game of soccer both nationally and throughout Illinois.



Countless young people have been directly and indirectly touched by his tireless efforts to advance the game.



Recently, while viewing a game with my own children, I saw Mr. Mariani in the crowd and felt compelled to introduce my children to him and to pay our respects. He is very much a role model to me and he will be missed. I'm glad I took a moment to express myself to him that day.



One particular memory stands out to me. In 1987, a group of ISSA leaders approached me and asked if I would be open to chairing the effort to bring the 1994 World Cup to Chicago. At first, I declined; it seemed like such a foolhardy task. Then, Mr. Mariani took me aside and convinced me that the dream was possible and offered to lend his help behind the scenes. I will never forget the look of profound optimism in his eyes as he assured me we could pull it off. Througout the effort, he remained one of the most diligent and dedicated workers. My deepest sympathy to his family and the soccer community. He is an irreplaceble man.

Frank helped me so much from the first few days after I moved to Chicago. Walking by the ISSA office, I inquired about the leagues here in Chicago. I noticed he was reading La Gazzetta dello Sport, the only pink newspaper in the world, so knew he was a fellow paesano! Right there in the office he called a few people, and I was on my way to making connections in this wonderful city.



Franco, I will miss you tremendously and will think of you fondly whenever I see Italia or Juventus play. Without a doubt, you are already organising a team in Paradiso. I just wish we could have had one of our great conversations about anything and everything (mostly calcio) one last time. Ti voglio bene, vecchio!

My deepest sympathies go out to Frank's family. Frank was one of the first people I met when I moved to Chicago almost exactly 8 years ago--he got me set up with a women's soccer team. He never forgot me after that! A warm, funny man who will be sorely missed. Sincerely, Holly McGuire

We are going to miss you very much, you were a very good person hope you rest in peace and my deepest symphathy to the family from all of us

Dear Anna and Family

Our deepest sympathies on the lost of your father. I remember him from all of the Maroons soccer games. I just wish I got to know him again at Micheal's soccer games. May God Bless You All.

Dawn Veljkovic and Family (Nick Mitrovich's sister)

Itasca, Il

Our prayers are with you always. Mr. Mariani was and will always be one of the best soccer coaches!!

but more importantly he is a great person...God bless.