PORTLAND — Peter Emery Anania, 85, died July 31, surrounded by his family.

Anania was born April 2, 1930, and survived polio at a young age. The disease affected his life profoundly, weakening his legs and lungs. But he lived with grace  and dignity, sharing his love of life with all, especially his wife, Claire Doris Tripp, whom he married in 1953.

Anania served in the National Guard and then joined the Portland Fire Department, working his way up to lieutenant and eventually leading Portland’s first rescue squad.

His later career was devoted to several small businesses he helped run, including Anania’s Variety, a small Congress Street store he operated with brothers Edward and Joseph. Previously, Peter worked at Newbury Street Market, in the neighborhood where he grew up.

After his retirement, he and his wife enjoyed spending time with friends and family and traveling to destinations such as Aruba and Florida. As his health declined, he continued to visit with people for whom he cared, including during his last years at the Barron Center.

He was predeceased by his parents, Pietro and Linda; three brothers, Antonio, Emerico and Edward; and a sister,  Marianina Vassallo.

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Anania is survived by his wife of 62 years, Claire; his brother, Joseph; his sisters, Vivian Parker and Linda Burwell, of Corpus Christi, Texas; his three children, Marianina and her husband, Michael Boss, Peter and his wife, Patricia, and Christopher and his wife, Kim; his six grandchildren, Dylan Boss, Sarah Nadeau and her husband, Raymond, Alyssa, Peter and his fiancee, Alyson Lumino, Charles and Samuel; a great-grandchild, Owen Nadeau; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Anania’s family thanks the staff at the Barron Center, who gave him so much love and attention.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland, 277 Cumberland Ave., Portland, ME 04101, where he spent many happy hours in his youth.

Visitation was held Monday, Aug. 3, at Jones-Rich-Hutchins Funeral Home in Portland. A funeral was scheduled to be held Tuesday, Aug 4, at 11 a.m., at Woodfords Congregational Church, 202 Woodford St., Portland.

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