Roberto S. Mariano, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and avid gardener, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2025, at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, surrounded by his family. He was born in Muntinlupa, Metro Manila, Philippines on January 28, 1944 to Nolasco F. Mariano and Dorotea Sanchez Mariano. He was the eldest of four children.  Within the family he was known as Ting. To others, he was known as Bobby or Roberto.

He was a distinguished economist and econometrician, and for more than 50 years, he dedicated his life to academics and research, inspiring countless students with his passion in his fields. He studied in the Philippines at the Ateneo de Manila for high school (Class of 1958) and college (Class of 1962).  He received his MS in Statistics at the University of the Philippines in 1962. He spent one year at the University of Illinois, where he received his MS in Mathematics before going to Stanford University, where he received a PhD in 1970.  While at Stanford, Bobby met the love and light of his life, Julie, and they were married in 1968. His first academic appointment was at the School of Economics at the University of the Philippines.  In 1971, he accepted a one-year Visiting Lecturer appointment at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He eventually joined Penn's Economics Department as a tenured professor and was Professor Emeritus of Economics until the time of his passing. He held visiting appointments at various academic institutions worldwide, and in 2002, he was appointed as Founding Dean of the School of Economics and Social Science at Singapore Management University, and his impact on the University's formative years was both profound and enduring.

His co-development of the Diebold-Mariano test has become a fundamental tool in econometrics, widely used for evaluating forecast accuracy. He was a Fellow of the Econometric Society, served on its Executive Council representing Southeast and South Asia, and held roles on the Governing Council of the International Association for Statistical Computing. His editorial contributions included appointments to leading journals such as the Journal of the American Statistical Association, International Economic Review, and Econometric Theory. He was a consultant on econometric modeling for forecasting and policy analysis for various central banks, government ministries, stock exchanges, and private companies in Asia and the United States.  In 2022, he was appointed by Pope Francis to serve as board member of the Supervisory and Financial Information Authority (ASIF), the Holy See's financial intelligence and anti-money laundering unit.

Beyond his scholarly accomplishments and leadership contributions, Bobby will be remembered as a beloved teacher, mentor, and colleague. He left his mark on the world through the generations of students and young scholars who were inspired not only by his intellect, generosity, and unwavering dedication to the pursuit of knowledge, but also for his unending love for his wife, Julie and his son, Michael. Bobby was Julie's best friend, confidant, and partner in every sense of the word. They shared a lifetime of memories full of adventure and happiness, and their love for each other transcended everything and inspired everyone who saw them together.  Bobby's dedication to family was unmatched, and his gentle, humble spirit and unwavering love for Julie and Michael were the foundation of their life together. His absence leaves a void that simply can't be filled.

Bobby's wisdom, kindness, and generosity touched not only his family's lives, but the lives of all the students, colleagues, and friends who knew him. His passion, commitment, zest for life, and love for his family and friends were hallmarks of his remarkable journey. Bobby's love, laughter, and spirit live on in the countless lives Bobby touched.

Bobby was preceded in death by his brothers, Alfonso and Reynaldo, and his parents, Nolasco and Dorotea. He is survived by his loving wife, Julie, his son, Michael, his sister, Nomy, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited on Saturday May 3, 2025 to a Visitation from 11:00 to 11:45 AM with Funeral Mass to start at 12:00 PM at St. John Vianney Church, 350 Conshohocken State Road, Gladwyne, PA. 19035.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Philippine Jesuit Foundation , P.O. Box 312, New York, NY 10028.  Email: pjf@phjesuits.us Note: ADMU Scholarship Fund (R. Mariano gift)