Petru Marianek, age 84, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on September 16, 2026.
Born on April 16, 1942, in Caransebes, Romania, Petru was the only son among four sisters, born to Elisabeta and Petru Paun and later adopted by the Marianeks. From an early age, his life was shaped by a deep and abiding faith in the Lord. He and his mother were the first in their family to become believers.
Petru’s faith was not simply something he believed, it was something he was willing to stand for. During the communist years in Romania, alongside three of his friends, openly protested the persecution of Christians and advocated for human rights. After a priest was imprisoned, Petru made signs and posted them throughout the city, speaking out against the abuses being committed against Christians. As a result, he was arrested and spent six months in prison, never knowing when, or if, he would return home.
His faith and courage continued to guide the decisions he made for his family. After years of waiting and enduring the restrictions of communist Romania, Petru and his family were finally allowed to immigrate to the United States in September of 1985. Although he had worked for many years to build a home for his family, he left that house and everything he had built behind in Romania in pursuit of religious freedom and a better life for his children, a decision he never regretted.
Petru met and married Maria Fofiu in 1969. Together they raised three children, Alina, Emmanuela, and Peter. They made their home in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia, where Petru worked hard to provide for his family. He was a man of few words, but his love was evident in the way he cared for those around him. His generosity extended beyond his immediate family. When his wife’s younger sister, Zoie Jurma, lost her father at just three years old, Petru helped raise her as his own. He had a big heart and was always willing to provide, protect, and care for his family.
Petru was a member of First Romanian Baptist Church of Atlanta from the time he arrived in Atlanta in 1985. His faith remained at the center of his life, and he sought to model the love of Christ to those he encountered. He had a gift for storytelling and loved sharing memories of his childhood and his years in Romania, as well as stories from his days as a taxi driver. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, including rebuilding clocks with them and listening to his grandchildren play in band and orchestra. He would often go simply to sit and listen to them practice, proud to be part of their lives and happy to support the things they loved.
Petru retired in 2012 after many years of hard work and providing for his family.
Petru will be deeply missed by his wife, Maria Marianek; his daughters, Alina Nicoara, Emmanuela Mocuta and Zoie Jurma; their families and children; his four sisters; and the many relatives and friends whose lives he touched. He was preceded in death by his only son, Peter Marianek, whose heartbreaking loss deeply saddened Petru and remained a profound sorrow in his life.
His life was marked by faith, sacrifice, courage, and an enduring love for his family. He left his homeland behind so his children could have freedom, built a new life from the ground up, and quietly gave of himself to those he loved. His story will continue through the family he cherished and the faith he faithfully carried throughout his life.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
— 2 Timothy 4:7
Until we meet again.
A memorial service commemorating Petru’s life will be held on Friday 9/18/26 at 7:00pm at First Romanian Baptist church of Atlanta. The funeral and burial service will take place Sunday 9/20/26 at 4:00pm at Hamilton Mill Memorial Chapel and Gardens located on 3481 Hamilton Mill Rd. Buford, GA 30519.