Gregory Joseph Napolitano
July 8, 1968 ~ October 11, 2022
Resided in:
Portland, Maine
Portland - Gregory Joseph Napolitano, 54, passed away at home on October 11, 2022.
Greg was born on July 8, 1968 in Portland, the youngest son of the late Anthony Sr. and Madeline Napolitano. Growing up on Munjoy Hill, Greg attended Cathedral Grammar School and graduated from Cheverus High School in 1987. Following high school, he attained a Bachelor's of Science in Communications degree from the University of Southern Maine.
Most people in Portland knew Greg and his family through their well-known and established restaurant, Maria's. As a co-owner of the restaurant, Greg and his brother, Anthony, carried on the Portland institution which was started by his parent's in 1960. Greg always worked the front of the house with Anthony in the kitchen. Greg was wonderful to his regular customers. He often went above and beyond for people. Whether it was a complimentary dessert or limoncello, or a complimentary bottle of wine in your to-go bag, it wasn't uncommon to be treated well by Greg. He had an incredibly generous heart and would do anything for others while expecting nothing in return. Greg, along with his brother, are known for being so good to our community. Over the years, they've donated several meals to those in need, catered church functions, fed grieving families at no charge, and even provided meals to all of Portland's First Responders on September 11 during the pandemic to express their gratitude for keeping our community safe. Simply put, Greg was a staple in this community known for his incredibly kind and generous heart.
He was a devout Catholic and communicant of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and could always be found at the 8AM Mass on Sunday Morning with the rest of the family. Following Mass, he would likely have the Patriots' game on while spending time with his family. He was a walking encyclopedia on all things Red Sox, Celtics, Patriots and Bruins. He loved trips to the North End in Boston with friends, trips to Ireland and Italy, golfing, and was known for his ability to tell a great joke or make someone laugh with his off the cuff one liners.
Above all else, Greg loved his family. He was uncle to the most precious nieces, Hannah, Bella and Julia. He loved his golden retriever and "orange friend" Baily who passed last year, and loved his four legged niece, Morgan. Greg cherished the time spent with his nieces, memories of summers at the family camp on Raymond Pond, Restaurant Camp during school breaks, learning how to make meatballs and the Maria’s famous sauce (a family recipe), hosting S’mores night at his home at 182 Eastern Promenade in the middle of winter, to the many days and nights working side-by side with his brother at the family restaurant. He and his brother, Frank, shared the love of history and Sunday family dinners. Being an older brother and best friend, Anthony is proud and so thankful to Greg for all of his work to build, and grow the family business – and being a constant presence in his life.
Greg was an incredibly kind, generous and genuine fixture in this community. He will be deeply missed.
Greg is predeceased by his mother and father, his best friend Baily. He is survived by his brothers, Frank Napolitano of Portland, Anthony Napolitano and his wife Wendy of Portland; beloved nieces, Hannah, Bella and Julia Napolitano; and many close friends and extended relatives.
Visiting Hours celebrating Greg's life will be held on Sunday, October 16 from 2-5PM at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home on Monday, October 17 at 9:15AM followed by a 10AM Mass of Christian Burial at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street, Portland with The Most Rev. Robert P. Deeley, J.C.D., as Principal Celebrant. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland. To view Greg's memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital by visiting fundraising.mmc.org/bbch-donate-now
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Fair winds and following seas my friend, you will be missed.
Once again, someone so dear, so young, gone too soon…there are no words…it hurts to breath, my deepest condolences and love….
A gentle soul with a beautiful spirit and a great sense of humor. You will be sorely missed. Love, Peter & Cindy
To Anthony and family, we are sincerely sorry for your loss of your brother Greg. He was such a wonderful person as is all of you. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers while you go through this terrible ordeal. Love you all. Connie and Jimmy Somma
Frank, Anthony, Wendy and daughters, I was quite saddened by Anthony’s call that he had just found Greg deceased. Although our hearts may be broken we find comfort in our faith and trust that Greg may now share in God’s eternal glory through gift of His son Jesus Christ. We will all miss his presence and generosity immensely. As he now joins your beloved parents may he Rest In Peace.
Greg was a wonderful person his friendship was very important to all who knew him. My sincere condolences to Tony and the entire Napolitano family.
Gregory, you were a good friend. I’m going to miss you humor, your fun laugh and the way you’d shake your head at something that shouldn’t be funny, but was. Your playful fun personality accompanied by a big smile, witty responses and good chuckles will be missed. I like that you treated me like a sister, part of the family. You were a gentleman and family devoted. You even had a snarky side. I used to get a kick out of it. I understood you were being very serious to make sure things were done as close to perfection as possible. Those were the hard-working values instilled in you by your parents.
I picture you up in heaven, right by your parents’ side. Madeline’s little Gregory, you were a momma’s boy. She taught you how to treat a lady, be a gentleman. Thank you for being Uncle to my children. They enjoyed you. You left us too soon. You will be dearly missed. (I hope you’re getting to meet all your favorite sports stars that have passed.)
You shared your light of life with so many. Thank you.
Anthony, Frank, Wendy, Bella, Hannah, Julia & family:
I’m so sorry for your loss. Gregory was kind, caring and fun. You know he was all about family. Devotion has a picture of him next to it in the dictionary. May he rest in peace. He lives on in memories.
Very sorry to hear about Greg’s passing.
Henry Currier
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Greg will be sorely missed.
Obviously from the restaurant, but also played golf with him several times.
At a First Tee golf tournament at the Woodlands, Greg took a chance on the helicopter ball drop. He had to leave prior to the drop, but he won. Kevin Gildart called him, but Greg was convinced it was a prank. Did not believe it until he got the money.
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Greg.My wife and I and another couple just last week had been there for lunch.He and his brother Anthony we’re both there working hard to make sure everything was perfect.it always was!!
He was not only a really nice person but was one of the the best Restaurateur I’ve ever seen in Maine.
Greg may you Rest In Peace in heaven with our lord looking out for all of us.
John &Karen Baldacci
To the entire Napolitano Family; our deepest condolences. Words are especially difficult at a time like this, however memories are forever. We are thankful for all of the time we spent together and for the memories we made. God Speed my Friend . We are going to miss you.
Joe Aliberti & Judy Hotham
To the Napolitano, I was just at the restaurant on fri, Thought he was fine. So sorry that greg passed away. I will miss him. so sorry for family. From, Kristen Tully
So sorry for Greg passing. Kristen tully
Anthony and Wendy! Sending my prayers and deepest sympathies from here in Detroit.
Greg was so kind and gracious to us. I remember him from all the work he and his family did at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Too many kindnesses to remember, but known and seen by God, and appreciated by me and all who were blessed to know him.
I was fortunate to call Greg a classmate and friend at Cheverus. My wife, Kirsten, and I visited Maria’s (both old & new) on many occasions over the years. The highlight, in addition to the food, was reconnecting with Greg. Our condolences to Anthony and the entire Napolitano family for his loss. Rest In Peace Greg.
His smile and warmth.
Greg was always there to greet us with a smile when ever we came to the restaurant for a special occasion and the first to wish us a Happy Birthday or a Happy Anniversary. I know there has to be a huge hole in the heart of the family created by his loss but he will always be with you in love and memories. Sending condolences and prayers to your family on this loss.
We used to go to Maria’s for all our special occasions since moving to Portland 12 years ago. Birthdays and Anniversaries were celebrated at Maria’s with Greg greeting us at the door or the bar, always with a smile and an occasion appropriate greeting. He was always happy and seemed glad to see us no matter how much time had passed. He will be greatly missed but I know he is still smiling at all of us even now.
May the Blessed Virgin Mary bring Gregory to her Son Jesus to live forever
My condolences to all of you during this difficult time. My prayers are with you. Patti Watts
Maggie and I wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the Napolitano family and to all the employees at Marias. Gregory was a true gentleman. We will miss his kind and cheerful presence. May perpetual light shine upon him.
The Mangano
So sorry for your loss! May the God of hope give you the fullness of peace and may the Lord of Life always be with you. Greg was a great man and always a fine host! ÷Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen
We are deeply saddened by Greg’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Rest In Peace Greg. Love Gloria & Bob Lax
Dear Tony,
We are so sad to hear of Greg’s passing. Please know that our thoughts and prays are with you and your family. Rest in peace Greg. We will miss you. Love Gloria & Bob Lax
I am deeply sorry to hear of Greg’s passing. We attending high school togethor and have fond memories of Greg’s kindness and helpful manner. Luckily, Greg was able to meet my wife about 10 years after we graduated as she was able to meet Greg and see how special a person he was. He was truly loved. I feel incredibly sad for Tony, I wish I still lived back East to personally speak with Tony on this tragic loss. Sending love for the entire Napolitano family.
Loved Greg dearly. Amazing friend.
His generous spirit.
Caring, kind, funny, gentle, loving and generous.
Friday night regular at Maria’s for many years. Trip to Italy with Greg.
May Greg’s light shine forever in our lives.
Oh Gregory, it doesn’t even seem real. I’m going to miss you so much! Thank you for all of the great memories and for always loving me like family. You were always a good sport when I called you “Uncle Greggo” and always gave me a big hug and a smooch on the cheek. Maria’s isn’t going to be the same without you. I’m going to miss your laugh and the way you would razz Dad when he was being silly, or bicker with him about sports, and just your overall fun personality. We had fun up at camp when I was a kid and I always looked forward to when you and Uncle Tony would pull out the giant squirt guns. As sad as it is that you are no longer here with us on earth, I know that your mom and dad are most likely overjoyed to be with you again. You were always their baby.
I’ll see you again some day on the other side.
Love,
Your friend & “faux niece”
Veronica N. Valliere Trufant