Amedeo J. Reali

Falmouth – Amedeo J. Reali, age 83 owner of the former Village Café died Thursday, July 22,2010 at Mercy hospital with his family by his side.

He was born in Portland a son of Vincenzo and Maria Aceto Reali. He attended Portland schools, and in 1944 he joined the US Navy to serve as a Navy Seabee during WW-II and was honorably discharged as a Coxswain.

In 1946, Amedeo began working with his father Vincenzo at their family restaurant, The Village Café in downtown Portland. The restaurant flourished under his management, and became a local icon for family style Italian American cuisine. He was known as a successful business owner, a responsible employer and a generous member of the community; volunteering and helping others in any way he could. The Village Café continued to have lines out the door up and until it finally closed in 2008.

He met his wife Anita (Higgins) at his brother’s restaurant, the former Valle’s Steakhouse where she was a waitress. They were married in 1948 and had 8 children. Amedeo was a family man through and through. In between the long hours he worked at The Village he taught his children to hunt and fish including taking them on memorable family vacations. His wife and children remember him for his honesty, humor, and dedication.

He was a devoted communicant of St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church where he served in many capacities and volunteered frequently. In 2004, he was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Maine Restaurant Association. He was a member of the Italian Heritage Center.

He is predeceased by 5 brothers; Don, Louie, Peter, Hubert, Al, and 2 sisters; Justine Knapp, and Betty DiMillo.

Besides his wife of 62 years, Anita Higgins Reali of Falmouth, he leaves 6 sons; John and his wife Marlene of North Yarmouth, Michael and his wife Terry Sutton of Cumberland, Joseph and his wife Andrea of Portland, Steven and his wife Debbie of Gorham, David and his wife Patsy of Saco, Paul and his wife Fe of Exeter, NH, two daughters; Anne Marie Atherton and her husband Bill of Windham, and Maria Reali of Yarmouth. Also he is survived by 18 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

Visiting hours will be held Sunday, July 25, 2010 from 3 to 7PM at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford Street. Prayers will be recited Monday July 26, 2010 at 12:15pm at the funeral home to be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1pm at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, Federal St. Interment with Military Honors will follow at New Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. If so desired, contributions may be made in his memory to St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, 72 Federal St, Portland, Me. 04101. Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign Amedeo’s guestbook.