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Mariano La Via Obituary

Mariano Francis La Via CHARLESTON - Mariano Francis La Via, 99, of Charleston, SC, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, May 11, 2025. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 1:00 PM Friday, May 23, 2025, at Nativity Catholic Church, 1061 Folly Road, Charleston. The Rite of Committal at Holy Cross Cemetery will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to one of the following: the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, c/o the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, 120 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401; The Charleston Symphony Orchestra, 480 East Bay Street, Ste. F, Charleston, SC 29403; Mepkin Abbey, 1098 Mepkin Abbey Road, Moncks Corner, SC 29461 or to the South Carolina Aquarium, 100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston, SC 29401. Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. (843) 766-1365.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charleston Post & Courier from May 20 to May 21, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Mariano La Via

Sponsored by James A. McAlister Funerals & Cremation.

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Paige McCormick

October 30, 2025

I always enjoyed my time with Mariano and June at the Cathedral. Having moved on, I hadn't heard this news until spurred to look in on them by seeing his daughter, Susan. May peace be with his spirit and with his entire family.

JeanneJim Augustin

June 2, 2025

Love this great man. Jeanne and I are blessed that we know Mariano. June, we shall all be together again.
The time until that reunion will seem like an eye blink.

Lisa

May 31, 2025

My condolences to the family and friends of Mariano La Via. May God continue to comfort and strengthen the family during this time of bereavement. Continue to focus on the loving and cherished memories of Mariano continue to comfort his family and friends.

Paul & Jane Jourdan

May 21, 2025

One always knows when a special person crosses their path.
Marino was a sage who uplifted you with his joyful engaging intellect.
He and June were gracious hosts. The special times they shared hold a special place with us.
We have been neighbors for 25 years and wish there could have been more time to share.
June, may the happiness and love you shared fill the
empty places with peace.
Your devotion has been inspiring.
May God´s grace keep you.

Sarah Payne Wilson

May 21, 2025

What a lovely and kind man! June, I am keeping you in my prayers.

Gail Maginnis

May 20, 2025

Jun, I´m so sorry for your loss. Marino was a wonderful man and a true gentleman. Mike and Mariano worked on the car raffle one year. I think they enjoyed talking medicine.

betty quiat

May 19, 2025

my heartfelt condolences on your loss.

betty quiat

May 19, 2025

awesome man and a good friend.

Valerie Morris

May 19, 2025

Boris and I had many pleasant times with Mariano and June. I always felt privileged to be able to call them friends.

Giovanna De Luca

May 19, 2025

This is a big loss for Charleston and the Italian community in Charleston.
Mariano was a Renaissance man, very knowledgeable in science, art, music, cinema, and cuisine. Wonderful sense of humor and a great listener as well communicator. It was always a pleasure to see him and spend some time with him and June. Ci mancherà moltissimo! Riposa in pace e illuminaci Mariano.
Giovanna/ Adam

Giulio and Donatella Della Porta

May 19, 2025

We are deeply saddened by the passing of a truly remarkable man, a cherished friend, an exceptional scientist, and a devoted patron of music and culture. His life was a testament to passion, intellect, and unwavering dedication.
Though he achieved great distinction as a scientist in the United States, his heart always remained tied to Italy, the country he so dearly loved. He was immensely proud of his heritage and never ceased to promote its beauty and depth. His beautiful presence, his humor, and his generous spirit enriched the lives of all who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness that will not be forgotten.
May he rest in peace.

Jule and John fenimore

May 19, 2025

Our shared memories of Mariano and June will help with the sorrow we feel at his death. Julie and John Fenimore

Nell Chastain

May 18, 2025

With our deepest sympathy and prayers, Nell and Walter Chastain

Annie Stone

May 18, 2025

We met Mariano and June after a Spoleto performance at the bar at 0 George. We were blown away when he told us his age. From Spoleto to the Symphony to openings at the Halsey, he and June were always there, smiling and warm. Mariano had a twinkle in his eye. The summer before last he invited us to dinner following attending my pop up birthday party at the end of Spoleto. At 98 he cooked the most delicious swordfish. With Quentin Baxter in tow, we stayed late into the evening, eating and drinking and both he and June telling us stories. It was a memorable and delicious night. We will miss seeing him at this years festival just days away. Much love to you June, Annie and Graham Stone

Sheila Griner

May 18, 2025

I was fortunate to have worked with Dr. LaVia at MUSC and continued our friendship as members of the Church of the Nativity. He was a man of great intelligence and equally personable and caring. Such a gentleman. June and Susan you are in my prayers and have my deepest condolences.

Kent Hutchinson

May 18, 2025

Mariano was a great friend and co member of Saint Vincent dePaul Charity Board. Charming and generous?

Kim westberg

May 18, 2025

I´m so sorry for your loss June. I was always so happy to see your names on the reservation book way back when. Riposa in Pace Mariano. May His Memory Be A Blessing.
Kim (Il Cortile del Re)

Chris Christopher

May 18, 2025

Dear June, I am so sorry to learn of your loss of Mariano. He was so delightful and I know you will miss him terribly. You two were so good together! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Chris.

Jane Anania

May 16, 2025

We had the pleasure of many years at The Cathedral with Dr. LaVie and his wife. Loved his stories about his trips to Rome. Beautiful soul.

Theresa Lubbers

May 16, 2025

Marian urged me to volunteer with the St. Vincent DePaul Society. I went out with him on home visits. He was so smart and so caring for those neighbors in need. I believe that he helped me to improve my life. He was clearly a good man and so kind to me when my husband was dying. Prayers for June and the family.

Toni and Meridith Catoe

May 15, 2025

Sending prayers and condolences to June and Susan.

Russell Harley

May 14, 2025

When Mariano came to MUSC I was impressed by his knowledge. He was intelligent and charismatic. After we both retired, it was always a delight to run into him at concerts and various events. I wish I´d spent more time with him.

Deborah Milling, M.D.

May 14, 2025

Dr. LaVia's intelligence, expertise, kindness, and charm were a most welcome part of years spent at MUSC Department of Pathology. He daily expressed his love for his family and a deep commitment to the medical community. He was devoted to the patients he served and to medical research. I extend heartfelt condolences.

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Memorial Events
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Mass of Christian Burial

1:00 p.m.

Nativity Catholic Church

1061 Folly Road, Charleston, SC

Funeral services provided by:

James A. McAlister Funerals & Cremation

1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29407

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