John Anthony Nappi

John was born to Anthony M Nappi and Louise T Nappi in Portland, Maine. Many of his early memories of family gatherings were of their home on Atlantic Street in Portland and at "The Farm" in Yarmouth. Home movies of this time showed a fun loving group of extended family many with Johnny as the center of attention trying to get a laugh out of someone. But also showed a caring, helpful side of Johnny that would be his core for his lifetime.

They moved to South Portland onto Angell Ave where John would attend local schools, take machinist classes, and graduate for South Portland High School, class of 1968. During his teen years he had worked for Winslow & Co., Inc. delivering materials. On one of these deliveries he freighted the vehicle he was driving with concrete bags so as to be able to do wheelies, again always looking for a way to have fun even at work.

Throughout John's childhood he was found to be quite the spirited young man and was often found to be helping out the family bakery, Nappi's Bakery, on Anderson Street. He carried on with the business's motto, "Be happy with Nappi". His love of cooking and refining recipes continued from here making homemade pastas, cheese hand pies, and perfectly spun pizzas. His children fondly remembering warm, homemade doughnuts and peanut butter fudge.

He then entered the Coast Guard serving up and down the coast in home waters during the Vietnam War. He was a well reknowned cook to his fellow enlistees.

After returning home from the Coast Guard John worked for another family business, Nappi Distributors as a wine salesman. His extensive route had him travelling through out York, Cumberland, and Oxford counties of Maine as well as areas south and east. His daughter, Leslie, and granddaughter, Autumn, had the pleasure to travel on many of these routes over the last several years with John as he reminisced while passing exisisting building and pointing out ones long gone.

Another place Johnny was found was at his father's store, Quality Market, now Sheila's, in Old Orchard Beach. He ran a seperate fruit stand in front of the store. And worked in the store alongside his siblings, and cousin, Larry Ferrante. In the back of the store there was a camper in which those who wanted to stay, could. Much family gathered at the store and at the beach. Lots of sun-filled, sandy-toed days digging massive holes to China enjoyed here.

He had worked as a machinist in NH in the early 80's with his best friend, George Christiansen. It was at this job he nearly lost a finger, needing a blood transfusion. He and his family returned back to Maine.

Several years later he moved to New Jersey with a couple buddies. He worked at Outdoor World for a bit before coming back home.

Of his many occcupations and one of his best talents was as a carpet installer. He was taught by one of the best in the business,and long-time buddy, Dickie Carver. For many years he did this alongside his brothers. It was an occupation he had involved several of children with, giving them a sense of pride.The work was hard so many of kids were also employed as back therapists providing adjustments, massages, and scratching all the while pulling up a piece of carpet to stretch out on. He did this even later in life and preferring the floor at times over a bed.

Giving his back a break he worked for his family at Nappi's Pizza, sending those pies to the ceiling in fancy showmanship for all. Always a smile on his face during his performances. He also helped out his brother, Anthony, at his restaurant, Ruby's Choice, where several family gatherings had been hosted.

In betweeen he held other tempory jobs like working the high roller tables at the Fryeburg Fair with his best friend, Paul Parker, for Mickey Amelait.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He did some deep sea diving, sea urchining, one year. And, tuna fishing another.

Johnny was an inventor, gardener, entrapenuer, engineer, astronomer, and could have written a book on it all. He was claimed to have hands of gold, meaning he was good at everything he did. You would hear him say things like,"piece of cake" and "no sweat".

Johhny loved a good debate and always had a sharp mind. He would even employ the opinion of prominant public figures. Along the same lines he was an amazing storyteller.

A kid at heart, weekend long games of the boardgame Risk was played in the basement of Angell Ave by a crowd eating fudgicles. He knew quite a few yo-yo tricks and enjoyed amusement/water parks.

His sweet tooth was always on the hunt for a tasty confection. He loved anise cookies, pizzelles, any kind of chocolate, fudge, cheesecake, licorice, and vanilla ice cream with a scoop of peanut butter. And sweet drinks like root beer, cream soda, banana shakes, and chocolate milk/shakes. But nothing compared to plain cold milk

.

Johnny loved homecooked Italian food like eggplant parm. Seafood was also a favorite, especially fried. He would drive all over to get a good clamcake.

Anyone who knew John, knew of his love of football, baseball, basketball, and car racing. He collected and wore team memorbilia. He was hard to miss wearing his Patriots and Red Sox gear. His trademark beard was started during No Shave November when the Red Sox went to the World Series in 2013. He had said many times he was going to shave it off but too many ladies wanted to braid it.

John's love of rock and roll music was a driving force. He was rarely seen without dance moves. John was always the first and last on the dance floor. He had the ability to dance any vehicle he drove, sometimes on two wheels.Some of his favorite bands were AC/DC, Van Halen, and ZZ Top. Guns n Roses,Night Train, became his anthem to a few of his children. He had been known to carry a harmonica with him and although he said he didn't know how to play, sounded pretty sweet.

John was full adventures and had many up and down the coast from Canada to Florida. Train rides, parachuting, riding the train tracks in his van, camping, boating, flying planes, etc. He was well known at NE Dragway in Epping, NH for winning numerous races and holding track records. He did this with his 1968 Dodge Charger given to him by his grandparents, Sam and Sue Ferrante.

Because John was a mover and a shaker all hours of the day, he needed to take lots of naps. It was a common site to see him napping on the couch midday.

The place that he held closest to his heart was Old Orchard Beach. Here he lived till recently. His granddaughter, Autumn, thinks that Grampy owns the beach, the rides, and the place to get cotton candy. Some of his favorite hangouts were the Brunswick where many of his major milestones like his 40th and 50th birthdays were celebrated and Mr Goodbar's, then owned by good friend, Dale Tarbox. And since the time his dad had first opened the store he had been watching(and lighting, when legal) fireworks at the beach. This favorite pasttime was shared with his family over the last few years during the weekly Thursday night and Fourth of July displays.

The most precious thing John had was his family. He had a relationship with each member individually. He would try to avoid conflict and if, any did arise would say things like,"come on you guys" or, "don't worry about it." He always wanted to ensure the kids would be all together for holidays and other gatherings. And his blended family was able to do that for many years. His friends like family, too. The love he had for everyone was the last full sentance he spoke saying,"I love you guys." It was intended for all those who had entered his life..

His faith helped him through hard times and would seek out the place he had been baptised and recieved his first communion, St. Peter's Church. Not only for himself but others, too.

We would like to thank the Gibson unit staff at Maine Medical Center for their excellent care time and time again. And an extra special thanks to not only the staff but other residents at St. Joseph's Rehab and Residence. Everyone from the secretary, to adminstration, social workers, pastorial services, nurses, CNAs, housekeepers, activities coordinator, dining staff, maintenance, etc truly cared about our family and accomodated us when we needed it the most. I know they will miss him on his daily walks looking for candy.

John is survived by his sister, Jo-Anne Richio, her husband, Nicholas Richio, his sister, Susan Langlois, her husband, John Langlois, his brother, Anthony Nappi, his wife, Lisa Nappi, his sister, Anne Marie Guiod, her husband, Henry Guiod, his sister Mary-Jo Stone, her husband, Kerry Stone, his brother, Joseph Nappi, and his brother, James Nappi. John's children; Sylvia Nappi and Christopher Nappi with mother, Shirley Nappi, Leslie Blanchard Davignon, her husband, Arthur(Jr)Davignon, and Karen Blanchard-McIntosh, her husband,William Blanchard-McIntosh, with their mother, Dorothy Blanchard, Richard Martel, his wife, Melissa Martel, Vincent Nappi, and Alexandra Nappi with their mother, Lisa Kloman Nappi. John has 8 grandchildren with another on the way and 2 great grand children. Uncle Johnny will be missed by his nieces and nephews. As well anyone calling him Cousin or Nephew Johnny.

Friends and family are invited to attend a time of visitation on Thursday July 5, 2018 from 4:00P.M. to 7:00PM in the Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home 199 Woodford St. Portland, Maine. Prayers will be held on Friday July 6, 2018 at 9:00A.M. followed by A Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. in the St. Peters Roman Catholic Church 72 Federal St. Portland, Maine. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland, Maine. On-Line condolences can be given to the family at www.jonesrichandbarnes.com.