Anthony Napolitano

PORTLAND — Anthony J. Napolitano, 79, of the Portland, died at Mercy Hospital on Tuesday, July 21, 2015, with his loving family by his side.

He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Aug. 20, 1935, the son of the late Joseph and Lina Grimaldi Napolitano. The family moved to Portland in the late ’30s. Anthony attended local schools and graduated from Cheverus High School, 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. John’s College before enlisting and serving in the United States Army at Fort Dix, N.J.

Anthony married Madeline A. Kinslow at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Nov. 11, 1961.

In 1960, Anthony opened his first restaurant, Napoli’s Restaurant, on Veranda Street. In 1972, he sold the business and opened the first Maria’s Ristorante in Westbrook, which he ran for four years before moving to its current location at 337 Cumberland Avenue in Portland. Together, Anthony and Madeline are credited for what many say is “Portland’s 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 Maria 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. Peter’s 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 of Portland and Gregory Napolitano of Portland; triplet granddaughters; two sisters, Violette Schillings of Sebago and Rita Cloutier of South Portland; many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours were held on Sunday, July 26, 2015, at Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. Prayers were recited at the funeral home on Monday, July 27, 2015, followed by a 10:30 a.m. Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, 72 Federal Street, Portland, with the Most Rev. Robert P. Deeley J.C.D. and Rev. Claude Gendreau officiating. Burial followed in Calvary Cemetery.

To view Anthony’s memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ctcrawford.com

Those who wish may make a contribution in Anthony’s memory to: American Diabetes Association, Portland Maine Division, PO Box 11454, Alexandria, Virginia 22312.