George Mariani, ex-Belleair mayor

By KRISTINE MILLEN

© St. Petersburg Times, published June 21, 2000

George E. Mariani Sr., former Belleair mayor and community activist, died Monday at Morton Plant Hospital of complications from an aneurysm, said his family.

He was 75.

Mr. Mariani served three two-year terms as mayor from 1982 to 1988 and three terms as city commissioner from 1971 to 1977.

"He was a fine mayor. Outstanding," said Lois Sedlacek, a former Belleair city commissioner who served with Mariani. "He did a lot for this town. It was not just glorification-type things. It was the "getting down and getting involved in what needed to be done' things, such as a long-term plan for infrastructure."

Mr. Mariani came here in 1954 from his native Richmond, Ind., to run the family business, E.A. Mariani Asphalt, after his father's death. He became chairman of the board and company president. He also founded Gem Seal Inc. and served as chairman of its board. Both businesses are in Tampa.

"There were very few people like him," said longtime friend Jack Hardin, vice president of operations at Mariani Asphalt. "He had a great sense of humor, and as far as business went, customer and quality service were No. 1. It is difficult to talk about him. I've lost my dearest friend."

While work was important, Mr. Mariani took time to get involved in community organizations, said his son Timothy.

"He didn't just support them financially. He gave a great amount of time to several organizations and did it well," he said. "He was there for whatever was needed."

Mr. Mariani was a past president and board member of Morton Plant Foundation and a past president and board member of PACT Inc., the nonprofit organization that operates Ruth Eckerd Hall.

"Among his wonderful characteristics were his imagination and creativity," said philanthropist Ruth Eckerd, a longtime friend and neighbor. "He was creative in everything he did. Whether it was decorating his home for Halloween or making decisions on the board, he did it with flare."

Mr. Mariani also was a charter member of the board of trustees of St. Paul's School, Clearwater.

He received his juris doctorate from the University of Cincinnati School of Law in 1950. He was a member of the Indiana Bar Association, the Ohio Bar Association and was on the Florida Bar Grievance Committee.

Mr. Mariani was an Army Air Forces pilot in World War II, achieving the rank of lieutenant.

He was a member of First United Methodist Church and the Privateers and Casada clubs, both social organizations in Clearwater. He was a past commodore and member of Carlouel Yacht Club, Clearwater and a past president and member of Belleair Country Club.

In addition to his wife of 54 years, Barbara C., Mr. Mariani is survived by three sons, George Jr. and Timothy Kent, both of Belleair, and Christopher Chenoweth, Largo; two daughters, Susan Mariani Castle, Plano, Texas, and Barbara Mariani Schmitz, Largo; and seven grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 4 p.m. Thursday at First United Methodist Church, 411 Turner St., Clearwater. Arrangements are being handled by Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Fort Harrison Chapel, Clearwater.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul's School, Clearwater, the Berkeley Preparatory School, Tampa, or Hospice of the Florida Suncoast.

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