Marianne F. Sparco

Marianne F. Sparco, age 85, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

Marianne was born in Wilmington, the daughter of the late Margaret M. (Mulrooney) and Denny A. Luciano. She was a graduate of Padua Academy High School and Goldey-Beacom College. After starting her career, Marianne devoted herself to raising her young family and creating a loving home. As her children grew older, she returned to the workforce, becoming a secretary at DI Distributors, where she worked for 20 years.

Marianne was a true homebody at heart and found happiness in the simple pleasures of everyday life. She enjoyed watching game shows, Lifetime movies and court dramas, walking at Delcastle Park and shopping for little treasures and knickknacks for her home, and, most of all, cooking for the people she loved. She loved going to Wildwood with her late husband “Chocolate” and the many bus trips they took. She especially enjoyed sitting on her front porch, taking in the day and appreciating the comfort of the home she had created.

Her family was the center of Marianne’s world. She took great pride in keeping up with the activities and lives of her children and grandchildren, and their happiness meant more to her than anything else. She treasured every opportunity to spend time with them and especially loved creating special memories with her grandchildren. Whether it was a day at Sesame Place or Dutch Wonderland, or visits to Rehoboth with her grandchildren, Marianne was happiest when she was surrounded by the people she loved.

Marianne also took great pride in her home. She loved decorating and making it a warm, comfortable and welcoming place for family and friends. Her home was especially meaningful during the holidays, when she loved having everyone gather under one roof. Her famous Italian Wedding Soup was a family favorite. Those holiday gatherings became cherished memories that her family will carry in their hearts forever.

Marianne’s faith was an important part of her life, and she was a longtime parishioner of both St. Anthony of Padua and St. John the Beloved Roman Catholic Churches.

Marianne lived a full and beautiful life centered around family, faith, home and the many simple moments that brought her happiness. She leaves behind a lifetime of memories, traditions and love that will continue through the generations. Her greatest joy was her family, and she leaves knowing she was deeply loved and will be forever remembered.

In addition to her parents, Marianne was predeceased by her beloved husband of 38 years, Louis J. Sparco, and her sister, Jeanne Luciano.

Marianne is survived by her son, Louis J. Sparco, Jr.; daughter, Renee Sparco Mumford; grandchildren, Andrew and his fiancée Alexa, Dominic, and Christopher; brother, Jimmy Luciano; sister, Patti Evans (Craig); nieces and nephews, Mariclaire Luciano, John Luciano, Ryan Evans and James Evans; and many close family friends whom she loved dearly.

Funeral services will be held privately for the family. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Delaware Hospice, 630 Churchmans Road, Suite 200, Newark, DE 19702.