Enrico Dominic "Ed" Naples

MEXICO -- Enrico "Ed" Dominic (Napolitano) Naples, 85, died on Friday, Nov. 4, 2005, in his home, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Portland on Nov. 25, 1919, the son of Alphonso and Giaconda Napolitano.

He was the husband of Ruth L. (Warren) Naples for 57 years. He was a member of St. Theresa's Parish. He was a lifelong member of the Elks. He was a member of the American Legion, and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. In 1993, he was recognized by the Lions Club as Citizen of the Year, "a person who made a difference."

In World War II he was an amphibious-tank commander involved in the war on the Pacific theater, including the invasion of Okinawa, Japan.

Enrico enjoyed buying and selling cattle. He started a wholesale meatpacking business in 1947 in Lewiston, and in 1953 moved to Mexico and established Naples Packing Company, which continues to run strong today. He also enjoyed buying and selling cars. He loved to travel to Portland and visit his old stomping grounds and many other Maine sites. His best times were holidays, birthdays, and any other occasion to bring the family together. He had a generous heart for many local needs. He is best known for his sense of humor. He and Ruth shared much joy listening to the local access TV stations' "country music," along with many late-night snacks together. As always, and especially in these last days, he was most grateful for the love and compassion of family and friends who supported him throughout his life. He will be greatly missed by all of his family.

He is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Ruth L. Naples; and their eight children, Eddy Naples and wife Marie DiSciullo-Naples of Mexico, Ginger Patterson and husband Allan of Mexico, Penny Laplante and husband David of Waterville, Mitzie Naples of Bethel, Candy Kersey and husband Mike of Weld, Cindy Ross and husband Bruce of Dixfield, Enrico "Jimmy" Jr. and Joan Wood of Peru, and Catherine Napolitano-Ross of Peru; and 17 grandchildren, Craig Surrette and wife Ilka, Jaime Arsenault and husband Eric, Matt and Chris Laplante, Jennie Hebert and husband Don, Eli Mann, Emily, Neil and Jessica Naples, Enrico, Spencer, Hunter, Mark Jr., Timothy and Adriarna Ross, and Mike Jr. and Kathleen Kersey; four great-grandchildren, Saryn and Xavier Surrette, and Gavin and Emma Hebert; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; his brothers, Benjamin, James, John, Aneillo, Alphonso Jr. and Rudy; and sisters, Eleanor Fowler and Mary Gorman.

Visitation will be held 2Ð4 and 6Ð8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, at S.G. Thibault Funeral Home, 250 Penobscot St., Rumford. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 7, at St. Theresa's Catholic Church, Mexico. Interment will follow in Farrington Morton Cemetery, Mexico. Relatives and friends may pay tribute to Enrico at www.mem.com.

If desired, contributions in his memory may be made to: Santa's Helpers, c/o Dot Sanchas, 11 Prospect Ave., Rumford 04276.

Arrangements are under the care of S.G. Thibault Funeral Home & Cremation Services (364-4366).