Joseph Paul Mauro

BRAINTREE, Mass. – Joseph Paul Mauro, 87, died May 14, 2023.

Joe was the ninth of nine children born to Italian immigrants who had set sail for Ellis Island in search of a better life and found their new home in Berlin, N.H. where Joe was born. As a youngster, Joe found delight and refuge in fine art and literature, classical music and Red Sox baseball, which he would score meticulously while listening to radio broadcasts. These loves would last his lifetime.

He departed for UNH where he studied English literature and found a community of kindred spirits. He then settled in southern coastal Maine, where he started his family and worked at a wide range of professions, including his dream pursuit of antique book and art dealing, but eschewed a traditional career path in favor of what he deemed the finer things and simpler pleasures. For decades he could be found along the southern seacoast hosting cultural events, writing for local newspapers, volunteering with a cat adoption center or feeding seagulls on Ogunquit Beach.

Joe leaves his former wife, Penelope; a son, Timothy, a daughter, Alice; grandsons Caden and Damon; and a lasting memory of an eccentric scholar and art-lover for all who came to marvel at this colorful soul. He will be dearly missed.

A drop-in memorial gathering will be held at Kennebunk Free Library, Saturday May 27 from 2-4 p.m. Feel free to call Alice with any questions at 617-840-6818