Joseph C Anania

Joseph Carmine Anania, 94, of Portland died peacefully in his sleep after a brief illness, while his wife Anna was close by him. Joseph was born in Portland, one of eight children born to Linda Delmonte and Peter Anania, who had immigrated from Italy and settled in Portland. He attended Portland schools and started working after finishing 9th grade. He worked at the Portland Shoe Factory and later went on to work for the Portland School Department.

Joseph enlisted in the Navy in 1942 and served his country during World War II. He was stationed in the Pacific Ocean on the Island of Iwo Jima, where he was a member of the Navy Sea Bee’s and a machinist mate until his honorable discharge in 1945, when he returned to Portland.

He married the love of his life Anna Dorothy Cavallaro in 1945 and raised three children, Donna, Joanne, and Robert.

In 1960 Joseph and his sister Vivian opened the original Anania’s Market, which was located on Newbury Street in Portland. He worked in the store along with his brothers who became involved in the business over the years, until Joseph’s retirement in 1987.

Joseph was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church and a lifetime member of the Italian Heritage Center, where he also participated in the Muffin Top Club. Joseph loved playing cards with his buddies and traveling to Atlantic City. He and his wife Anna enjoyed traveling to many locations, including Bahama’s and Venezuela. Those holding a special place in his heart were his grandchildren and great grandchildren, who he loved spending time with.

Joseph was pre-deceased by his parents, his brothers: Anthony, Emerico, Peter, Edward, and his sister Maria Nina Vassallo. He is survived by his wife, Anna, daughters: Donna Lebel and her husband Mark, and Joanne Anania, his son Robert Anania and his wife Sandy, all of Portland. He is also survived by his sisters: Vivian Anania Parker and her husband David of Portland, and Linda Ferlito Burwell and her husband Bill of Corpus Christi Texas, 11 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the staff of St Joseph’s Manor for the many months of care provided to Joseph.

A private memorial service will be held for the family at A.T. Hutchins Funeral Home, 660 Brighton Ave, Portland.

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