Gregory Joseph Napolitano

PORTLAND – Gregory Joseph Napolitano, 54, passed away at home on Oct. 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 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 Sept. 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 8 a.m. 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 was 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, Oct. 16 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State St., Portland. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home on Monday, Oct. 17 at 9:15 a.m. followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress St., 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 http://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