Sabatino Michael Nappi

Born on October 29, 1930, Sava was the tenth of fifteen children of Giovanni (John) and Lucrezia (Montecalvo) Nappi. He grew up in Portland and Yarmouth, attending Portland schools and graduating from Deering High School in 1949.

While attending college in Boston, he lived with his sister Chris and brother-in-law Jim Egan—a time he often reflected on with great fondness.

In 1955, Sava married his one true love, Frances (Franny) Richio. Together they raised five children and shared 65 years of marriage until Franny’s passing in 2020.

Sava began his working life delivering beer for his father’s distributorship. He later worked as a butcher at Hilltop Market on Munjoy Hill and then joined his brother John at Nappi’s Bakery. Eventually, he launched his own business distributing Red Star cake yeast to bakeries throughout Southern Maine, along with his son Nick.

After recovering from a heart attack, Sava became co-owner of Nappi Distributors alongside his brothers Nick and Frank. He loved the beverage industry and was known for his unwavering belief in treating employees and customers with fairness, dignity, and respect.

Sava had a deep love for food and was a gifted cook—a talent learned from his mother and aunts. Whether it was a simple apple pie or a full-course feast, his meals were always memorable. He and Franny were famous for opening their home during the holidays, cooking for days and welcoming all with warmth, especially on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day—his favorite time of year.

He was known for his humility, kindness, and incredible sense of humor. Sava had a gift for making friends and was genuinely interested in others’ lives and stories.

He pursued many hobbies over the years—collecting coins, bowling in a league during the 1970s, and spending time on the golf course, where he achieved an astonishing four holes-in-one. He was also a proud member of the Columbia Club, the Elks, and the Italian Heritage Center.

Sava enjoyed trips to lively casinos, particularly Las Vegas, where he and Franny made countless joyful memories with family and friends. In his later years, he stayed closer to home, often traveling to Oxford Casino with his son-in-law Bobby, where both left lasting impressions.

He found peace sitting on the back deck under his tent, telling rich and funny stories by the fire. He loved a good thunderstorm and, fittingly, was treated to a dramatic one on his final day—something that brought him great joy.

Sava was predeceased by his parents, his beloved wife Frances, and his grandson Stefano N. Nappi. He was also predeceased by his brothers Sam, Nick, Tony, Carlo, John, Michael, Albert, and Frank, and his sisters Chris, Lucy, Mary, and Rose.

He is survived by his children: Anthony (Viann), Nicholas (Theresa), Lucretia Nappi (Thomas Poulin), Frances Connolly (Philip), and Christine Rodney (Robert); his brothers Joseph (Antoinette) and Philip (Jutta); seven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

The Nappi family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the Portland Police and Fire Departments for their swift response and compassionate professionalism.

A special thank you from the bottom of our hearts goes to our sister Crissy and her husband Bobby for the love and care they gave to our parents over the years. You are truly angels.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Peter’s Catholic Church in Portland on Saturday, August 16th at 10:00 a.m. A celebration of life will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Stefano Nappi Memorial Fund: BBCH Philanthropy Office, Nappi Fund 22 Bramhall Street, Portland, ME.