John T. Amoroso Obituary (1940

NEWPORT & NAPLES, FLORIDA - John Amoroso, "Papa" passed away peacefully on August 8, 2017 at his residence surrounded by his family. He was born December 16, 1940 in Gardiner, the son of Sebastian and Mavis (Hinckley) Amoroso. He moved to Westbrook early in life, attending Westbrook schools, graduating in 1959. While in school, he was involved in many sports, but especially enjoyed baseball and basketball. After high school, he served his country for 4 years in the United States Air Force, working for the National Security Agency, spending time in Turkey and California. While in the service, he married his high school sweetheart, the former Claudette Brochu, and they had 3 children, Jeff, Greg, and Lisa. After leaving the service, he was employed by Sebago Mocassin Company, GMAC, and Coulter Electronics. At Coulter he was the sales manager for New England and New York state. In 1975 he purchased Bangor Wholesale Foods, a small food distributor in Newport. The company grew significantly under John's leadership creating many opportunities for employment in Newport including a new warehouse and the introduction of many new ideas in the food service industry. In 1983, the Small Business Association awarded him the Small Business Person of the Year for the state of Maine. In honor of this award he and his family travelled to Washington, DC where they met President Ronald Reagan in the Rose Garden. He was very proud of this award. In 1987, he sold his business to SYSCO, where he continued to serve as President of Maine Sysco for 2 years. In 1990 John bravely underwent a heart transplant and fought many battles with his health throughout the following years, all the while maintaining his quality of life. He retired and moved to Naples, Florida, returning to Maine to spend the summers. He and Claudette enjoyed many years of watching their grandsons play baseball. "Papa" was known as and will be remembered as "The Legend" by his grandsons. John served his community in many ways: as a member of the Finance Authority of Maine, the Governor's (of Maine) Business Council and the Board of directors of C.O.D.E. He also served on a variety of committees in Newport, as well as coaching little league baseball and youth basketball. John will be remembered as an avid golfer, playing the game year round in Florida and Maine. He also enjoyed boating with his family and friends on weekend trips along the Maine coast, fishing and crabbing in the Florida Everglades, or enjoying a cruise from his home on Lake Sebasticook. He was also fond of going to the hunting camp with the boys. He leaves behind his wife of 55 years, Claudette, with whom he shared many wonderful times; 2 sons and their wives, Jeff and Melissa Amoroso of Newport; and Greg and Michele Amoroso of Charlotte, NC; a sister, Patricia Aube of Buxton; 5 grandsons, Derek, Justin, Jack and Chris Amoroso, and Jared Seamans, as well as a niece Beckie Aube. John loved his wife and family very much and they kept his spirits up during his last years. He was predeceased by his daughter, Lisa Seamans, and a grandson Andrew. Friends may call from 6 to 8 PM, Friday at Crosby & Neal, 117 Main Street, Newport, where services will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, August 12th with Deacon Anthony Cipolle officiating. Burial will follow at North Newport Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to American Foundation of Suicide Prevention. Please make checks payable to AFSP Maine, 976 Hallowell Road, Pownal, ME 04069. The family would like to thank the DaVita dialysis unit for the wonderful care they provided over the many years, with special thanks to Doreen.