PORTLAND – Peter Napolitano, 88, of Portland passed away peacefully Sunday, March 19, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Boston, Mass. on August 16, 1934, to Joseph J. Napolitano and Rita A. Carson. Sadly, Peter lost his parents at a young age and was taken in by Edward and Henrietta DiPhillipo and was extremely grateful as they treated him as one of their own. Peter was always seen with his lifelong friends Jimmy DiPhillipo and the late Ralph Salamone where they spent most of their days in “little Italy” and continued their friendship throughout their lives.

Peter was well-known as “Specks” and was quoted as “tops with everyone” in Portland High School’s graduating class of 1953 yearbook. Shortly after high school, he enlisted in the Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged after four years in 1962. Upon returning to Portland, he met the love of his life, Marie Quattrucci, where they married and settled on Munjoy Hill in 1963 and had five beautiful children.

Peter was a very hard working husband and father who started his career working for Phillip Morris as a salesman, before moving on to Nappi Distributors. He spent his last 22 working for Bath Iron Works which he retired from.

Peter was known for his witty humor, his love of gardening and cooking, but most importantly took pride in loving his family, friends as well as his grandchildren who held a special place in his heart for which he never missed any sporting events where you could always find him cheering them on. He especially loved celebrating and opening his home to friends and family on Christmas Eve, which included his famous homemade anisette. Peter was an avid follower of New England sports, and particularly loved playing golf and pool. He was also a lifelong communicant of St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church in Portland.

He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph Napolitano and Rita Carson; and brothers John Napolitano, Joseph Napolitano, and Richard Carson; as well as Edward and Henrietta DiPhillipo who loved and raised him like one of their own.

Peter is survived by his wife Marie of 59 years; five children Susan (Paul) Tucci of Windham, Joseph (Toni) Napolitano of Garland, Marie (Harry) Brown of Hollis, Rita (Charles) Brown of Windham, and Lisa (Shane) Dobson of Portland; eight grandchildren, Paul Tucci, Nicole Tucci-Markovchick, Michael Napolitano, Janessa Napolitano, Charlie Brown, Michael Brown, Kristina Kelley, Travis Brown; and five great grandchildren.

Special thanks to Compassus hospice for the amazing care they gave our father especially Karen and Brock. We’re forever grateful.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 27, 2023 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street in Portland. Burial will follow at New Calvary Cemetery in South Portland.

To share memories of Peter or to leave the family an online condolence please visit, http://www.athutchins.com.