Edward R Anania Sr

Ed was born in Portland on June 5, 1934, a son of Italian immigrants, Pietro and Linda DelMonte Anania. He was raised on Newbury Street in Portland’s “Little Italy” neighborhood, and was very proud of his Italian heritage. He was the second youngest of eight children. He attended Portland schools graduating from Portland High School class of 1952, and soon after enlisted in the US Navy during the Korean conflict onboard the USS Lloyd Thomas. During his time in the service as a radar man, he visited 19 different countries and was promoted to the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class. Following his service in the Navy, he partnered with his brothers Joe and Peter as new owners of the Newbury St. Market, later Anania’s Variety Store, where he continued to work until the time of his death.

He met the love of his life, Rosemary Connolly, in 1957 and they were married a year later on September 1, 1958. In the coming years, Rose and Eddie raised their four children primarily on Massachusetts Avenue in Portland. Eddie was very active, enjoyed visiting beaches and casinos, traveled everywhere from Aruba to Ireland, in retirement, he always started his day off by visiting his friends, “The Muffin Club,” at the Italian Heritage Center. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and boasting about his 10 grandchildren. He was young at heart, always smiling full of life and love. He will be remembered for his remarkable generosity, kindness and the light that he brought to so many lives.

He was a communicant of the former St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, a lifetime member of the Italian Heritage Center, and was a member of the Portland Elks Lodge.

Besides his wife he is predeceased by 2 brothers, Antonio and Emerico Anania, sister, Marianina Vassallo, and a grandson, Andrew Walker.

Ed leaves a son, Edward R. Jr., and his wife Barbara (Keeley) Anania of Portland, 3 daughters; Maureen and her husband John Macisso, of Portland, Catherine and her husband Michael Walker, of Portland, Patricia and her husband Brian Beattie of Westbrook, 2 brothers, Peter and his wife Claire Anania of Portland, Joseph and his wife Anna of Portland,2 Sisters, Vivan and her husband David Parker of Portland, Linda Burwell of Corpus Christie, TX, 10 Grandchildren; Jimmy, Nick, Beth, Michael, Maria and husband Aaron, Jenna, Sammi, Angela, Michaela, and Eve. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A time of visitation will be held Tuesday, May 19, 2015 from 4 to 8 PM at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at 11AM at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception with Rev. Harold Moreshead as celebrant. Interment will follow with military honors at New Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. For further information and to leave a tribute in Eddie’s memory please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com.