Steve James Mariani, 66, passed away Friday April 7, 2017 peacefully at home in Pensacola, FL.

Born October 16, 1950 to Barbara and Jim Mariani, Steve grew up in Redwood City, CA with his sister Johana, brother Paul, and cousin Jackie. Ever adventurous and curious, he was an accomplished gymnast, skydiver, Lieutenant Commander in the Navy, science teacher, and dancing soldier in Attack of the Killer Tomatoes. Steve traveled all over the globe, including Singapore, Egypt, and Germany, and even swam above the deepest point in the earth, the Marianas Trench. In his greatest adventure, Steve married Iris Marie Ryan on December 26, 1980 and had two children, Monica and Steven. Steve was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather - a rock for his family. He instilled in his family a great love for nature, science, J.R.R. Tolkien, and - most of all - for each other. Patient, kind and funny, Steve was an example of great and lasting love for all who knew him. He understood what was important in life and brought joy to all who were lucky enough to know him. His next adventure has only begun.

Funeral Cortege will depart Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel at 9:00am for a Committal Service to begin at 9:30am Monday, April 17, 2017 at Barrancas National Cemetery with full Navy Honors. Memorial Mass will follow at 11:00am Monday, April 17, 2017 at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Msgr. Stephen Bosso celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (Bright Focus) alz.org or to Covenant Care Hospice.

The family would like to extend special thanks for the loving care given to Steve during his illness by the Council on Aging, Nurse Spring, Covenant Care Hospice, and especially family members Johana, Jackie and Carol.