Vincent N. Mariniello

MARINIELLOVincent Nicholas Mariniello, 86, of Garnet Valley, PA and Jupiter, FL, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on December 20, 2016. Born on November 24, 1930, he was the son of the late Dominick and Concetta (nee Pepe) Mariniello. He graduated from South Philadelphia High School and served in the Air Force during the Korean War as an aerial photographer before becoming the owner of American Floors, Inc. in Philadelphia. Vincent was predeceased by his parents Dominick and Concetta, his brother Robert Mariniello, and his beloved wife of 58 years Elizabeth Mariniello (nee Chapman). He is survived by his loving daughters Deborah Mariniello, Cynthia Conron (Stephen), and Karen Mariniello; his grandchildren Christine Greco (Matthew), Michelle Conron, and Stephen Conron Jr. (Alicia); and his great grandsons Sam, Benjamin, and Liam. Vincent was devoted to helping children with special needs and disabilities pursue their dreams, giving his heart and soul to Variety – the Children’s Charity for over 35 years. Inspired by his love for the game of golf, he created the Golf Buddy Program, which has paired Variety children with PGA professionals for more than 25 years, building relationships and instilling a sense of self-confidence for each child. An honorary member of the Philadelphia Section of the PGA and longtime member of the Springhaven Country Club, he served as the Director of the Tournament of Champions for over 35 years, and as President of the Charity, the Board of Directors, and of the Variety Club Camp and Developmental Center. In 2014, the Vincent N. Mariniello Award of Unconditional Love was established in honor of the service and dedication of Vincent and his wife, the late Elizabeth Mariniello. Also in recognition of their commitment to the children of Variety and their families, the Philadelphia PGA Championship Pro-AM was renamed the Mariniello Tournament of Champions Pro-AM, and the Vincent N. Mariniello Golf Course, a three-hole course, driving range and putting green, was built for children attending the Variety Club Camp or participating in the Golf Buddy Program. Vincent was deeply religious and lived a life guided by his faith. He found solace and comfort in prayer, and his weekly attendance at mass and visits at the cemetery with his late wife held a significant place in his heart. He will forever be cherished and admired by all whose lives he touched and enriched, and he leaves behind a legacy of compassion, philanthropy, and unconditional love. Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation on Wednesday evening from 6:00 – 9:00 P.M. and Thursday morning from 8:30 – 9:30 at D’Anjolell Memorial Home, 2811 West Chester Pike, Broomall, PA. The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, December 29, 2016 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 430 Valleybrook Road, Glen Mills, PA. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 626 Baily Road, Yeadon, PA. In support of his dedication to children with special needs, the family wishes that contributions be made in his name to Variety- the Children’s Charity of Greater Philadelphia, 2950 Potshop Road, P.O. Box 609, Worcester, PA 19490 or www.varietyphila.org. For flowers, please contact Ann Catania of Ten Pennies Florist, 1921 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19148.