Wife of longtime Palatine football coach dies

A woman who holds a special place in the hearts of many Palatine High School football fans has died.

Connie Mariani, wife of longtime assistant football coach Frank Mariani, died Thursday at Northwest Community Hospital. Almost a week earlier, she'd collapsed in the stands during the Palatine-Prospect game.

"The Marianis are special people," Principal Gary Steiger said. "A lot of us had heavy hearts this week knowing what the family was going through."

Frank Mariani, a special education teacher at the high school, has been coaching there for 20 years. He and his two sons, Bubba and Joey, are coaching the sophomore team this year.

There was a moment of silence for Connie Mariani during Thursday night's football game against Conant. Her sons and husband still coached the game, and everyone showed their support.

Players on the sophomore team had stickers made for their helmets with her initials C.M. Along the fence surrounding the stadium, students placed red and gray cups in the metal mesh, spelling out her name.

"It was a pretty cool little tribute to see," Steiger said. "The students and community have really rallied around the family and done a great job of supporting them."

Connie Mariani was 54. She worked as an adjuster for Gallagher Bassett Insurance in Schaumburg.

"Frank has coached here since 1988, and I am not sure Connie missed many games along the way," said Steiger.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. today at Friedrichs Funeral Home, 320 W. Central Road, Mount Prospect.