Mariano "Sonny" Joseph Gaspari

Mariano J. Gaspari, known to most as “Sonny,” passed away peacefully on June 7, 2026, at Southeastern Veterans Center, Spring City, PA.

He was the widower of Christina Louise “Tina” (Koch) Gaspari, whom he married on October 13, 1962.

Born September 2, 1941, in Reading, he was a son of the late Emidio and Anna (Raffanelli) Gaspari.

Sonny was a faithful member of Holy Guardian Angels Roman Catholic Church, Hyde Park. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps.

Sonny dedicated many years of service throughout his working career. He owned and operated Gaspari Carpet Cleaning for 15 years; he worked in the maintenance department for Western Electric in Muhlenberg Township for 1½ years; spent 14 years in the bindery at Williams O. Flat Printing Company, Reading; served as road foreman for Temple Borough for 9 years; and subsequently with Muhlenberg Township, in the same capacity for 20 years. In addition, he worked for 18 years as a funeral director assistant with Stitzel Family Funeral Homes, Laureldale.

When he was not working you could find him serving with the USMC League, where he also served as Chaplain; helping a friend; or at park listening to an oldies band singing and dancing. 

A lifetime member of Victor Emmanuel’s men’s lodge, Sonny loved bowling in the club’s bowling league.  He was also once an avid softball player.  

Sonny is survived by his girlfriend Kathleen Spolski of Temple; by his four daughters, Maria Weitzel (Mark) of Leesport, Tracy Gaspari-Reese of Leesport, Donna Genslinger (Robert) of Leesport and Chrissy Busch (Fred) of Leesport; by his 11 grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and four step great grandchildren; and by his sister, Rosemarie, wife of David Goss of Reinholds.  

In addition to his wife and parents, Sonny was predeceased by his sister Madeline (Gaspari) Smith. 

Viewings will be held Thursday evening from 6-8 and Friday morning from 8:30-9:30 in Stitzel Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., 3300 Kutztown Road, Laureldale.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10 a.m. in Holy Guardian Angels R.C. Church, 3121 Kutztown Road, Hyde Park. 

Burial with Military Honors will be in Gethsemane Cemetery, Muhlenberg Township.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: USMC League - R. M. Butterweck Det. 465, and mailed to 550 Columbia Ave., Sinking Spring, PA 19608.

Stitzel Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., Laureldale is in charge of arrangements. 

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