Charles Julius Mariani

A service for Charles Mariani will begin at 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 25th at the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland.  He died in La Grande at the home of his daughter, Cindy Jo DeLong, on February 12th.  Daniels-Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center in La Grande is entrusted with the services.

Charles Julius Mariani was born in 1929 in New Rochelle, New York to Mother, Bertha Wolfisberg and father Jules August Mariani. His parents migrated from Switzerland to New York in 1926. Where they lived in a large apartment. Older brother, Gus was born in 1928. Charles had memories of swimming in the Hudson Bay, sledding with kids on their 10’ toboggan and visiting the Bronx zoo, where he had a special relationship with an elephant. In 1934 the family moved from New Rochelle to the Bronx. Sister, Marlene was born in 1934 followed by younger sister Marion in 1935. In 1943 Jules,(Charles dad) found work as a diesel machinist and the family moved to Vanport, Oregon.(near Delta park) Which flooded in May 1948. In the Summer between Chuck’s Junior and senior year. Thankfully, Charles parents had already purchased a 62 acre farm in deer Island, Oregon where they moved shortly before the dikes broke causing the historical Vanport flood that destroyed the city. Due to the move, Charles was supposed to transfer to Rainier HS. But, the Vice principal at Benson HS, Mr. Brown,wanted Chuck to stay at Benson and continue playing football, so he invited Chuck to live with them during his senior year. So, Charles attended Benson High school 1946-49. Played in the Shriners' football all star game during his senior year, while living with with Olive (mother) & Dwight Brown(son). While attending church at Mizpah, during a youth group game called bah, bah, bah, In 1948, Carol was able to squeeze her way next to Chuck so she could hold his hand where they met for the first time. It’s not clear when they officially started dating. Charles continued his education at OSU as a Freshman and played football 49/50. The following summer he went to work for his uncle Fritz Wolfisberg on his dairy farm in Elma Washington on the Studer homestead. Where they hand milked 100 cows a day. In 1953 he enlisted in the army and was stationed at fort Lewis. He continued his basic training in Aberdeen, Maryland. Charles took a month leave and came home and married Carol on Sept 5th 1953. Then they were deployed to Parks Air Force base in Pleasanton Ca. Where Chuck was sent to Korea for one year. Carol resided back home with her parents. Chuck came home from Korea 3 days before their first wedding anniversary. After a two week honeymoon, working their way south to Mineral Wells Texas where they bought a 36’ travel trailer and were stationed for the next 18 months. Chuck was discharged in Jan 1956. Charles was a chemical soils technician during his service. Carol was pregnant with Caron so she flew home, while Chuck, with the company of Sofie, their dog, pulled the trailer to Denver and then hired a firm to transport it the rest of the way to Portland. They settled at Tall Firs Trailer Park on 156th Division For the next 3 years. They wasted no time starting a family. Caron Jenese was born on Sept 23rd 1956. Sister Cindy Jo came along April 26th 1958. And when they became pregnant with their third, Carol demanded a house. So, in June of 1959 they purchased a 4 bedroom 3-story house on Lincoln St. for approx $11,000 and their only boy, Calvin Jay was born on Oct 21st 1959. Three years later their youngest and last child, Cheryl Jean was born on Jan 12, 1962. Charles worked in Sheet Metal his whole career. From 1956 to 1979 Charles worked for American Sheet Metal, where he spent 4 years in the apprentice program and graduated in 1960 as a journeyman. He did general sheet metal work, layout, fabrication and installation. He was an outside installation foreman for 11 yrs. When American Sheet Metal went out of business in 79, Chuck got a job with Rader Fab Construction as a shop foreman. Due to a slow economy, his job was eliminated and he went to work for Swan Island Sheet Metal in 1981. He finished his career out at the shipyards. Charles enjoyed spending time as a member of the Gateway Elks Lodge for 13 years, Glendoveer men’s club and was a member of the Portland Swiss Sportsman club where he wrestled in his younger years. He also loved to fish, crab and spend time at the beach with family. Of course, as most of you know, he was an avid Oregon State Beaver fan and never miss an opportunity to spar with a Duck fan. He loved getting out to watch his grandkids play sports and reminisce with others in any sports setting. Chuck and Carol sold their home of 59 years on Lincoln St. in 2016 and moved into assisted living at Avamere in Newberg due to health and aging issues. Being closer to Calvin and Cheryl allowed them to visit more often and have assistance when needed. Both Carol and Chuck were blessed to spend their last days in La Grande, Oregon with Cindy and Scott, where they got to enjoy home cooking, a beautiful view, and a lovely family environment. Charles will be missed by all who knew him.

Contributions in his memory may be made to Doernbecker Childrens' Hospital.

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Monday, February 25, 2019
2:00 PM

Willamette National Cemetery
11800 SE Mt. Scott Blvd.
Portland, Oregon