Lewis “Butch” Marliani, age 87, passed gently and peacefully on October 8, 2022, surrounded by family. Known as Coach Marliani, Mr. Marliani, Butch, Papa Butch or simply Dad, regardless the title, he touched countless lives, leaving many with a lasting and positive impact.
“Born on the streets of Jimtown", he attended Jamestown Elementary School and later to Sonora High School, successfully lettering in football, baseball, and basketball. He continued playing three sports while attending San Mateo Junior College and earned his Associate Degree. After transferring to San Diego State to complete his undergraduate studies, he was signed by the Philadelphia Phillies and played on their farm team - the Bakersfield Bears - until he was drafted into the US Army. He was assigned to Special Services as a Radio Operator (MOS 25C)
and posted to Germany… but spent most of his time playing on the Army baseball team! Upon returning to the States, he enrolled at Sacramento State and earned his bachelor’s degree in Physical Education. He met Polly on campus, and they married in 1961. After his second enlistment in 1964, Butch and Polly moved to Manteca where over the next 42 years, he was a teacher, coach and mentor at both Manteca and East Union High Schools. He coached varsity baseball and football and taught Business and Health and helped the Manteca Union School District develop their first Health curriculum. Butch took a sabbatical from teaching to earn his master’s degree from UCLA, furthering his depth of knowledge in health and well being. An avid and lifelong learner, Butch had a personal drive to help others become better versions of themselves. He wrote numerous published articles on health and wellness, coaching and baseball fundamentals. He was devoted to his family, his careers in both education and sports and to his golf game; “TOFFB46”!
Butch is survived by his wife of 61 years Polly, son Gino and wife Nicole, his
adored grandchildren Nico and Gianna, his stepson Doug Levee and wife Mary,
Doug’s daughter Minette Juric and husband Damir and their children Alana and Christian. He will be lovingly missed by his sisters Sue Lowe Bye and Mona
Marinovich and husband Kurt.
For those that would like to share stories and happy memories, a celebration of
life will be held on Sunday, 0ctober 30, 2022 at Spring Creek Golf & Country Club in Ripon, CA from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Friday, October 21, 2022
