Anthony J. Napolitano

Portland- Anthony J. Napolitano, 79, of the Eastern Promenade, died at Mercy Hospital on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 with his loving family by his side. He was born in Brooklyn, New York on August 20, 1935 the son of the late Joseph and Lina Grimaldi Napolitano. The family moved to Portland in the late thirties, Anthony attended local schools and graduated from Cheverus High School in the class of 1955, where he was an outstanding football player, playing on the varsity team starting his sophomore year. He went on to further his education, attending St. Johns College before enlisting and serving in the United States Army at Fort Dix, New Jersey. Anthony married Madeline A. Kinslow at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on November 11, 1961. In 1960, Anthony opened his first restaurant, Napolis Restaurant, on Veranda Street. In 1972 he sold the business and opened the first Marias Ristorante in Westbrook which he ran for four years before moving to its current location at 337 Cumberland Ave. in Portland. Together, Anthony and Madeline are credited for what many say is Portlands finest authentic Italian Cuisine. He is credited for introducing such dishes as the Casalinga Pizza, Baked Ziti in Casserole and was the first in Portland to put Calamari on the menu. Not only is Anthony acknowledged for his remarkable food but Marias was also known for training many young chefs in the business, some of which went on to open their own restaurants. In his spare time Anthony enjoyed spending time at the family cottage on Raymond Pond entertaining family and friends. He was a very generous man with a big heart. He loved attending New England Patriots games with his sons and trips to North Conway with his wife. His greatest love, however, was his triplet granddaughters who affectionately referred to him as Pop Pop. He would light up when they came in to the room and never missed the chance to dance with them. They were the apple of his eye. He was a lifelong communicant of St. Peters Roman Catholic Church in Portland. Anthony was predeceased by four sisters, Mary Oppedisano, Jean Gallagher, Gilda Sykes and Melphis Nutt; five brothers, Pasquale, Orlando, Frank, Larry and Ernest Napolitano. He is survived by his wife, Madeline Napolitano of Portland; three sons, Frank Napolitano of Portland, Anthony Napolitano and his wife Wendy of Portland and Gregory Napolitano of Portland; triplet granddaughters, Hannah, Isabella and Julia Napolitano all of Portland; two sisters, Violette Schillings of Sebago and Rita Cloutier of South Portland; many nieces and nephews, and his faithful companion Bailey. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the ICU staff at Mercy Hospital, to Dr. Keller and staff of the Mercy Hospital Wound Center, and all of the staff at Casco Bay Dialysis. The family would like to acknowledge and thank the Portland Police Department and Portland Fire Department for the kindness and care extended to their father and family throughout the years. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, July 26, 2015 from 3:00 to 6:00pm at Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home on Monday, July 27, 2015 at 9:45am followed by a 10:30am Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial at St. Peters Roman Catholic Church, 72 Federal Street, Portland with the Most Rev. Robert P. Deeley J.C.D. and Rev. Claude Gendreau officiating. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. To view Anthonys memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ctcrawford.com Those who wish may make a contribution in Anthonys memory to: American Diabetes Association, Portland Maine Division, PO Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312