John P. Mari Jr.

John Patrick Mari, Jr., 83, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

John was born on July 7, 1942 to John and Helen Mari, and raised in a working class neighborhood on the east side of Manhattan, New York. Along with his three siblings, John was a second-generation Italian-American, a culture he was always proud to represent; he was an altar boy at his church. And, like many Italian-Americans who grew up in New York City in the 20th century, he worked diligently in multiple blue-collar jobs, including as a newspaper deliveryman, plasterer, taxi driver, and, perhaps most notably, as a Coca Cola delivery salesman throughout the Financial District in Lower Manhattan.

In 1964, John married his lifelong partner Eileen. John and Eileen began their lives together by following the journey taken by many New Yorkers and moved to the outer borough of Queens where they began to raise their family in apartments in Astoria, Forest Hills, and Elmhurst.

Continuing the move eastward as hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers have, John proudly purchased a home in the Salisbury (South Westbury) section of the original Levittown on Long Island. John proudly and successfully raised his two children John and Nicole in this home with values of positivity, hard work, and most of all, perseverance.

Before and during his eventual retirement from the Coca Cola Company, John and his wife were avid Coca Cola memorabilia collectors. They attended annual conventions, enjoying the myriad of Coca Cola-themed products and connecting with other Coca Cola enthusiasts from around the country, while also spending quality time together. Often in his early retirement, John and his wife also greatly enjoyed time with friends on various cruises and cross-country trips to such destinations as Alaska, Arizona, and Mexico.

Growing up with the nickname “Spanky” from The Little Rascals, John was always recognized by all who knew him for his infectious smile and pure happiness. These traits specifically made him an outstanding grandfather to John, Lauren, Hope, and Vincent. He will be fondly remembered by his grandchildren particularly for his loving smile (always saying “mozzarella” before taking a picture instead of simple “cheese”) and his pride in their educational accomplishments.

Although John became afflicted with dementia later in his life following an earlier stroke, he never allowed the illness to tarnish his impeccable personality. When John moved from his home in Westbury to the Gurwin Jewish Fay J. Lindner Residences assisted living in Commack, NY, he made the most of his new life. His contagious smile during all parts of the day from eating his meals to entertainment and recreational events had a lasting impact on each of the staff members with whom he interacted over his fourteen months of living at Gurwin. His family enjoyed spending the past year making true memories together – John’s positivity truly shined every moment of his life.

Predeceased by his wife Eileen, and his younger sister Josephine, John is survived by his eldest sister Margaret “Margie”, brother William “Billy” (Jacqueline), loving son John (Stacy) with grandchildren John and Hope, and loving daughter Nicole with grandchildren Lauren and Vincent. John will also be affectionately remembered by nieces Meghan and Elizabeth, as well as countless other nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and particularly, the staff at Gurwin Jewish Fay J. Lindner Residences.

Services will be held at the Branch Funeral Home (190 East Main Street Smithtown, NY 11787) on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM and from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Internment service will be held at the Cemetery of the Holy Rood (111 Old Country Road Westbury, NY 11590) on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 12:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Gurwin Jewish Fay J. Lindner Residences Enriched Pathways in John’s name.

May John’s memory of happiness be an eternal light that blesses the lives of all those who knew and continue to love him.