of Little Rock, AR
July 30, 1938 - October 9, 2021
Henry Joseph Mariani of Little Rock peacefully departed this life on October 9, 2021, with his family at his side.
He is survived by his wife, the love of his life for 59 years, Ruth Cain Mariani; his children, Timothy, Anthony (Julia), Christine Halter (Mark), and Tricia Hudson (Jason). Seven grandchildren, Samantha Perkins (Blake), Joseph Mariani, Regan Mariani, Matthew Mariani, Sophia Hudson, Lillian Hudson, and Henry Hudson. Great-grandson Franklin Perkins. Siblings Terri Brown of Delmont PA, Olivia Kelly (Robert) of Milford, CT, and Felix Mariani (Sally) Duncanville, PA.
He was born July 30, 1938, to his parents Joseph and Jane Mariani in Braddock, PA. He graduated from Turtle Creek High School and went on to attend Penn State University where he received his BS degree in business administration with a minor in finance. He was a member of the Alpha Chi Rho fraternity. He started his career in Baltimore, MD at Haskins and Sells and soon obtained his CPA license. He then moved to Fredrick, MD to Everedy Company, a division of Standex International as Controller and was later promoted to Financial Vice President. He then transferred to Todd Steel, a different division of Standex International as Administrative Vice President. His next promotion landed him in Cleveland, Ohio as Executive Vice President and later promoted to President of Club Products that manufactured Club Cookware. As the President, he relocated the manufacturing and distribution center of Club Products to Jacksonville, AR. While at Club he served on the board of Twin City Bank. At this point in his life, he always had a desire to be an entrepreneur and was involved in numerous joint business ventures. His next and greatest business endeavor was when he decided to purchase The Nite Lite Company, a mail-order catalog company in Clarksville, AR. He kept a corporate office in Little Rock. He later expanded the business and started acquiring other catalog companies and changed the corporation's name to NLC Products, Inc. NLC Products has grown to include a total of five catalog titles. He sold the business to his children and eventually retired but still served as the Chairman of the Board. He also served the OZK Bank Board for twenty-one years and the University of the Ozarks Board for five years. He was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church and Pleasant Valley Country Club.
Henry was always the happiest when he had a project going on in his life, from planning traveling trips to building four homes, especially the home in Crested Butte, CO. He had many fond memories in that house with friends and family, including being the family Bingo caller with all the grandchildren. He enjoyed playing golf and his annual golf outings with all of his PVCC buddies. Also, to Lou, Bob, and Bill, the trophy is sitting in his office as the final ''Champion''. He loved traditions, especially making homemade Italian sausage with family and close friends, just like his father and grandfather before him. It had everything he loved; planning, process, teamwork, great food, and fine wine. It honored the past and forged the love into the future. He also spent countless hours with his beloved dog Annie.
When Henry was around there were always laughs and stories. He was intelligent, kind, and worried about everyone.
He and Ruth traveled the world together with friends and family. One of his fondest memories was when he took his entire family to Italy, a trip his family will cherish forever.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Christ The King Catholic Church, 4000 North Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, AR. on Tuesday, October 19th at 2:30 p.m. A reception will follow the service at Pleasant Valley Country Club, 1 Pleasant Valley Dr., Little Rock, AR.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Henry's memory to Carti Cancer Center (Little Rock) at Carti.com or Christ the King Catholic Church, Msgr. Hebert Endowment Fund at ctklr.org.
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31 Condolence(s)
David Schlegel
Sunday, March 26, 2023
I was CFO of Standard Building Systems from 1979-1983 following the buyout of Todd Steel by Henry , Art Read and Charlie McCarthy . I was late 20’s at the time and Henry was a great mentor with one of the keenest minds I’ve ever known .And a true gentleman . 71 now I retired at 47 having built and sold a great company and still recall Henry vividly.
Garrett Siemens
Wednesday, October 20, 2021
I just heard of Henry's passing today. It was a privilege to know and work for Henry for 10+ years. He helped me tremendously in my professional career and I always had the upmost respect for his advise and business insight. I owe much of my success to him. My thoughts and prayers are with Ruth, Tim, Tony, Tricia and the rest of the family during this time of loss. I count it an honor to have know him.
Garrett, Lara and Family
Jerry and Jean Rosenbaum
Tuesday, October 19, 2021
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to your family for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jenny Adair
Monday, October 18, 2021
I know this is a tremendous loss to your family. .
You will remember and relive many wonderful memories...
Cherish them all...
With much love and kindness..
Jenny Adair
Steve Lett
Monday, October 18, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Ruth, Tim and your entire family. I worked with Henry for over 20 years. In addition to business, we were friends. Henry was always at the top of his game. He was as enthusiastic about work in his later years as when we began working together. Henry set an example for all of us to follow about family, living life and work. I always thought Henry would live forever and I knew he would never retire. At least I hoped not. I learned a great deal from Henry over the years. He always treated me with kindness and respect. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with Henry and I will miss him. Steve Lett
Rev. Lawrence Frederick
Sunday, October 17, 2021
Prayers for the family during this time of grief from all at Catholic High School
God Bless, Fr. Frederick
Tad Phillips
Sunday, October 17, 2021
My memory of Henry was his warm smile and positive attitude. A gentleman of the old school, smart too.
Karen Fuqua
Friday, October 15, 2021
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Henry's passing. Your family will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers as you adjust to life without him. With Love, Karen
Rick Handloser
Thursday, October 14, 2021
Dear Mariani Family,
My deepest and heartfelt condolences to you all. Your father always seemed bigger than life to me. Slightly intimidating,but very cool. An impressive person altogether. Our prayers for you all! He will be missed, but his legacy lives on in his wonderful family.
Paula Cholmondeley
Thursday, October 14, 2021
Henri you were always such an inspiration to all of the directors on the Bank OZK board. Your wisdom will be missed.
Peter & Linda Kenny
Thursday, October 14, 2021
It was a privilege to serve on the board of Bank OZK with Henry. As a new member of the board, Henry took an interest in me and in my development as a director. He was kind, instructive, and easy going. I learned a great deal from him. One of our most cherished memories was visiting Henry, Ruth, and Annie in Crested Bute. The consummate host, golf partner, teacher and friend. His soul and his family are in our thoughts and prayers daily.
Lisa and Joe celia
Thursday, October 14, 2021
To Ruth and family:
Sadness is a heavy burden to carry ,that is why I am sitting as I write this note.
To me, Henry was a smile and laughter hugs and kisses.
His family always came first and of course his true love for his wife Ruth.
We here on earth have lost a true friend but Heaven has gained a Gentleman.
Love you,
Lisa and Joe Celia
Dorle Blackwell
Thursday, October 14, 2021
Tina, my deepest sympathy to you and your family for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope your fond memories of your father get you through this difficult time. Call if you want to talk or share memories. I love you my friend, Dorle
Debbie Scott Morgan
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Ruth, Tim, Tony, Tina, & Trish (& all the grandchildren) I am so sorry for your loss. I will never forget the first time Terry brought me along to meet “the familyâ€. Everyone was so full of life, laughter, love, & there was always great food. Each of you have so many traits of your Dad! Henry’s smile, & personality always lit up a room, along with Ruth’s laughs. I’m so glad that of all the men….GOD chose Henry to be your husband, father, & grandfather. May GOD wrap his arms around you all. Love to each of you.
Joe and Laveda Hughes
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Joe and I are heartbroken about your loss. Henry was a warm, kind gentleman. His smile and his sense of humor were contagious and it was always a pleasure to spend time with him. Our prayers and love are with you and your family.
Bradley Ellison
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Its been a privilege and honor to know and Work for Henry for the last 20+ years and he will definitely missed my prayers go out to all of the Mariani family
Laura (Rasco) Reeves
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Tina and Tricia - love and prayers to you and yours! I know how much you adored your father and he you!!
Stay close to each other to give and receive the support you need 💕
Felix Mariani
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
When I think of Henry I think of a man who was kind, generous, loving, intelligent, successful and very hardworking. He learned how to work hard beginning as a teenager. Our parents taught him the value of hard work and that trait served him and his family throughout his life. I also immediately think of his love for his family and friends. I loved his laugh - he loved to laugh and make others laugh. Henry worked for everything he had but valued his family above all else. He was proud of his kids and grandkids and always wanted the best for each of them. He lived a full, rewarding life with Ruth and together were a model of marriage and parenthood. He was an inspiration to all and will be loved and remembered as a good soul. God Bless you, Henry.
Torrie Byrd
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
I had the pleasure and honor of meeting Henry in his office with his son, Tim, for my job interview to work with and for NLCProducts. He struck me as a very intelligent, lively, and caring man. He will be sorely missed.
Carole and Steve Hansen
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Ruth…Henry will be greatly missed but our memories will last forever. We have traveled the world together and had enough good times to last 2 lifetimes….we can still hear his contagious laughter and see that smile. We love you and your family and feel lucky to have known him….Carole and Steve Hansen
Richard Gaston
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Had the priviledge of Serving on the Board of Trustees with Mr. Mariani at the University of the Ozarks, as well as many wonderful mornings in the duck blind. Such a kind heart and always willing to offer sound advice. Words are futile, but the memories will last forever. Condolences to the Mariani family.
Michael Simon
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
My thoughts are with life-long friend, Tony, and the entire family
RIP “Mr. Marianiâ€
Kay Briscoe
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Tim,
I am so sorry for your loss. Have some fun memories with your dad when the kids were little. Lifting you all up in prayer.
Terri Brown
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Henry lived his life with so much grace and humility; his family was most important to him. Hen was a special brother to me; never forgot.
Ruth, Tim, Tony, Tina and Tricia; he loved you with all that was in him and left you a wonderful legacy.
You're in my thoughts & prayers.
His picture is so him, and that smile says it all. He's in my heart forever. Rest in peace Brother.
Linda and Roger Brown
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Dearest Ruth and family, hearing the news about Henry has truly saddened our hearts. We cherish the memories of great Italian dinners and warm friendships. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family that you may find comfort in your loss. God bless, and we send our loving condolences.
Linda and Roger Brown
Dwight Blissard
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
I remember when Club moved to Jacksonville from Cleveland. Henry leased warehouse in NLR from a company I was with. I learned then what a gentleman he was. Ruth I am so sorry for your family’s loss. Dwight
Dalynn Trujillo
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss! Henry was so special and I’m glad for all the fun times we had. He will be missed by many. Thinking of you Ruth!
Love, Dalynn
Anna Marie Brickley
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
I am so sorry for the loss of this great man. He was not only a wonderful cousin to all of us, but a wonderful man to all he met. Henry was a gentle soul who’s love of family came before everything. RIP HenryðŸ™ðŸ’œ
Michael Hudson
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Your family has been in my thoughts and prayers every day, and I want you to know you have my sincere condolences.
Michael
Herbert and Darlene Martin
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Ruth and kids, our hearts are broken for you! We love you all. We didn’t know of his illness. God’s riches blessings for all of you!
Your old neighbors and long time friends,
Herbert Ray and Darlene, Liz and Laurie
warren stephenson
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
that delayed plane in little rock to williamsburg created a friendship that will last forever love you both warren