Roberto Jorge Mariano

Rev. Roberto Mariano, 90, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2025, in his residence in Cary, NC, surrounded by his family both physically and virtually. He was the beloved husband of Eliane Revel for 67 years; an incredible father of Gonzalo (Liliana), Silvia (Tim), Noemi Amy (Ed). Caring Grandpapa to Phillip Grabacki (Yanira), Alex Grabacki (Olivia), David Maydew, Rachel Maydew, Sofia Mariano, Elizabeth Maydew and Daniel Mariano; and great-grandfather to Lilibeth and Juniper.

Roberto was born in Uruguay, South America, the son of immigrants from Spain and Sweden. He attended the Crandon Institute, where he met his future wife. Roberto attended Divinity school in Argentina, Brazil and U.S.

Roberto was a devoted Pastor in the United Methodist Church. He served vibrant congregations in Uruguay where he also established several new congregations. He believed that the church was God’s conduit for justice.He collaborated with leaders across different denominations to reach community members in need.Roberto had a long history of ecclesiastical leadership in Latin America, holding positions at national and international levels as the Superintendent and Vice President of the Uruguay Methodist Church, member of the Crandon Institute Board, Latin American Union of Ecumenical Youth, and World Council of Churches. In 1977, Roberto and his family immigrated to the United States settling first in Illinois. He served faithfully in English and Spanish speaking congregations in Illinois, Iowa and Indiana.

Roberto had a quick wit and loved to share a joke. His warm smile was truly contagious. As a grandfather, he played with his grandchildren the games that he had enjoyed as a leader of youth and adult summer camps.

Roberto will be remembered for his strong faith, kindness, loving service to others, and dedication to family.

Memorials maybe made to the United Church Committee on Relief (UMCOR) https://umcmission.org/umcor/

Celebration of Life for Roberto will be held on Saturday, January 18 from 3:00-5:00 pm located at 502 Middenhall Way, Cary, NC 27513.