Joseph Peter Cimellaro

RAYMOND – Joseph Peter Cimellaro, 64, of Raymond, passed peacefully on Aug. 31, 2025, on a quiet summer morning, to be joyfully reunited with his beloved family and friends who journeyed on before him.

Joe was born on June 5, 1961, in Portland, to Marion (Linneken) and Peter Cimellaro, whose unwavering love was his foundation. He spent his youth in Westbrook, graduating in 1979. Joe worked for Cott Bottling and Raymond Service Center before joining Nappi Distributors for good, where he drove and loaded ‘the beer trucks’. He loved his Nappi family and was incredibly proud of his 41 years with them.

Joe loved hitting the road for a scenic drive in his car or on his motorcycle, sharing books and movies, good company, and yelling at the Patriots and Red Sox.

Joe’s family brought him his deepest joy. He cherished his children and grandbabies, and delighted in their accomplishments, the good and even not-so-good. Joe loved nothing more than a fun time and a big laugh; he was his nieces’ favorite babysitter (who else would cannonball off the roof into the pool?) and his big sisters’ baby and sweetheart. His laugh and smile were contagious.

Joe loved love and had a soft, gentle heart. He taught his children to be true to themselves; to speak openly and feel deeply. Dad cried listening to Gordon Lightfoot and watching “Casablanca”, carried us in from the car when we were pretend-sleeping, painted our nails, made the best buttered toast, and always said “yes” to a rousing game of Phase 10, Skip-Bo, Rummy, or Scattergories (even when his mother helped his kids cheat).

We want to thank the MMC and Gosnell Memorial Hospice House teams for taking such wonderful care of Dad.

Joe will be sorely missed by his children and their partners – Nicholas and Olivia of South Portland, Gillian and James of Saco, and Heather and Zephyr of Auburn; his grandchildren, the apples of his eye, Keira, Annie, Milo, Charlie, and Peter, left him with many hugs and kisses; his sisters Amy, Lori, and Edra were by his side throughout this journey.

Dad said that if anyone needs to use his obituary to get out of doing something or to take a day off, you have his permission – no questions asked.

There will be a celebration of life on Sept. 27, at 55 Main St., Raymond, at 2 p.m.

To express condolences or to participate in Joe‘s online tribute, please visit http://www.dolbyblaissegee.com

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, or take a moment to read a good book, watch an old movie, and tell someone you love them.