John Edward Menario

He was born on September 18, 1935 in Portland to Mike and Glady (Thomas) Menario. His early years were spent in an apartment on Oxford street, before moving with his parents and sister, Anita, to Falmouth. The family home was located at the corner of Route 1 and Depot Road – now Levitt and Sons Deli – where the ‘Menario Sandwich’ is still prominently featured. While in high school, he sparked a friendship with John Skillins, eventually working at Skillin’s Greenhouse and developing a lifelong passion for landscaping and horticulture.

After graduation from Falmouth High School and Portland Junior College, he met the love of his life, Antoinette Napolitano. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he was trained as a Morse code operator and served during the Korean Conflict. His family enjoyed teasing that he both entered – and exited – the Army with the lofty rank of Private First Class.

After being honorably discharged, he returned to Portland, married Antoinette, and enrolled in the University of Maine (Orono) with funding from The GI Bill. While at Orono, sons Scott and Jay were born. In describing those early years of their marriage, John would say “we didn’t have two nickels to rub together.” He and Antoinette would scrounge through the couch to find loose change for the Friday evening pizza order, and he was accomplished at placing a frozen washcloth over the locked thermostat to get the heat to go on. He was greatly appreciative of the Baldacci family for hiring him as a bartender, and they remained dear friends throughout his life.

Much to the chagrin of Antoinette, John was offered, and accepted, a fellowship to attend graduate school at The Fels Institute of The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Approaching graduation, with baby Anne Marie on the way, and with limited city government positions available nationwide, John was preparing to move the family to California. However, by the Grace of God, the Portland City Manager, Graham Watt, called Wharton – his alma mata – seeking a City Hall Intern. And with that stroke of good fortune, John returned home to Portland and began his career at City Hall.

He was a city employee for 14 years, proudly serving as City Manager from 1967 through 1976.

John was a man who always gave credit to others and didn’t speak of his own accomplishments, so we won’t here either. Instead, we’ll share of his deep pride in Portland and the great State of Maine, his delight in his children and grandchildren, and his unbounding generosity to family, friends, and strangers.

Of his many endeavors, John was most proud of his work with Bill Troubh and Charlie Eshbach founding the Strike Out Cancer in Kids Charity for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program. He was adamant that every penny raised support the financial and emotional needs of families devastated by this diagnosis. Thanks to Banknorth and its President Bill Ryan, there was an annual banquet, where John would, without fail, cry while speaking of children, families, and fundraisers working tirelessly to battle Childhood Cancers.

In a testament to his character, John had many close friendships that spanned decades.

He enjoyed golfing at Riverside with the original City Hall crew; Fred Lucci (Tax Assessor), John DePalmer (Finance Director), and Lou Hannigan (Personnel.) He took special pride that the present Clubhouse was constructed under their city leadership.

He also loved reminiscing about the old days and talking present day issues with his longtime friends, and former personal advisors, Harvey Devane and the Honorable Governor Joseph Brennan.

He dearly missed his friends who he has recently joined in Heaven; Bob Noonan, David Pomroy, Walker Noyes, Tony DiMillo, Freeman Dulac and George DiMatteo. His best friend was William B. Troubh, and they are no doubt sharing a Johnny Walker Black together, with Counselor Edward I. Bernstien close by and providing the cigars.

He was a doting husband to his bride and “love until the end of time” Antoinette, and a devoted father to his three children; Scott (Laura) Menario, Jay (Diane) Menario, and Anne Marie (Neil) Haskell. He was the loving Grampy to his six grandchildren: Anthony and Joseph Menario, Andrea (Chris) Liptrot, Stephanie (Nicholas) Anania, Gina (Steve) Shuleski, and Emily (fiancé Dan) Menario. He provided unconditional support and encouragement, enthusiastically attending Hockey Games, Ballet Recitals, and Violin Concerts. He took great interest in their careers and adult lives, always serving as a mentor and sounding board.

He was over-the-moon with the 2018 arrivals of the newest family members; great-granddaughter Josephine and great-grandson and namesake John Edward.

He and Antoinette were first-generation Italian-Americans, and together they fulfilled a lifelong dream by taking the entire family on a month-long trip to Italy in 2007. They also spoiled the family with several magical trips, including to Disney World and New York City.

Maya Angelou said, “People will forget what you said, People will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

John made everyone feel important and loved, and we know he won’t soon be forgotten.

The family asks you join them during a time of visitation on Tuesday February 5th from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Jones, Rich& Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St, Portland, ME. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Peters Catholic Church, Federal St, Portland on Wednesday February 6th at 10:00am followed by committal services at Calvary Cemetery Broadway St, South Portland.

Donations may be made in John’s memory to the Maine Children’s Cancer Program, 100 Campus Dr #107, Scarborough, ME 04074

You may offer your condolences and share your memories at www.jonesrichandbarnes.com