Joseph Salvatore Esposito Sr.

Joseph Salvatore Esposito, Sr., 84
PORTLAND -- Joseph Salvatore Esposito, Sr., 84, died at his home in Portland on Friday, February 21, 2014. Joseph was born in Portland on March 28, 1929, daughter of Teresa (Russo) Esposito and Joseph Esposito.
He was a proud graduate of Portland High School, class of 1947. After serving his country in the United States Air Force, he attended the University of Maine in Orono where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He married his wife Barbara (Nixon) Esposito on June 11, 1955. Together they raised 5 children.
Joseph grew up on Munjoy Hill in Portland, the son of Italian immigrants, one of nine children. The friendships he made on 'the hill' were life lasting. He spoke often and told many stories of his youth. The son of a lobsterman, his first jobs were on the waterfront, tying nets and fishing with his father and brothers. Later, he paid his way through college by learning to hand-sew shoes. His first job as an engineer was for Picatinny Arsenal in N.J. where he quickly became recognized for being an unconventional problem solver.
In his efforts to move his growing family closer to home, he took a job with Raytheon in Waltham, Mass. Joseph worked his way up at Raytheon, eventually being selected to head efforts to correct issues with the computer modules for the Apollo. His honesty, integrity and hard work brought him much success at Raytheon, but in 1969, his lifelong desire to be self-employed and move back to the State of Maine would lead him to pack up his wife and five children and head for home.
Once back in Maine, Joseph began his entrepreneurial efforts, opening his first Radio Shack in Falmouth, eventually owning six franchise stores. He became involved in many business ventures over the years including Esposito's and Marshview restaurants which he partnered with his brothers. He dabbled in many businesses including a deli, gift shop, buying and selling gold jewelry amongst others. He was the original founder of Olympia Sports. He loved real estate, bought and sold many investment properties, eventually turning his focus toward commercial real estate. He was a well respected businessman, always operating with honesty and integrity.
While his professional work was fulfilling, nothing meant more to him than his family. He was the ultimate family man. His children and grandchildren were always in the forefront of his mind. He would rarely be seen
Joseph Salvatore Esposito, Sr.
Jones, Rich & Hutchins
Funeral Home & Cremation Service
775-3763
without one of them tagging along.
He was drawn to the ocean and liked nothing more than smelling the salt air and gazing upon blue waters, particularly overlooking the waters of Casco Bay and the Eastern Promenade.
Joseph was immensely proud of his Italian heritage and visited Sorrento, Italy often where he spent time visiting with cousins and enjoying the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. It was a place near and dear to his heart and he longed to visit again. An excellent athlete in his own right, he thoroughly enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in athletics. Even in his last days he could be found at Fitzpatrick Stadium or the Expo cheering on his grandchildren and the Bulldogs. He was so very proud of them all.
Joseph is predeceased by his parents, Teresa and Joseph; his brothers Vincent and Nathan; sisters Mary Mauro, Margaret Stoddard and Josephine Caizzo.
Joseph is survived by sons Michael and his wife Barbra of Portland, Joseph and his wife Lisa of Cornish, Neil and his partner Kathleen of Portland, daughters Denise of Portland, Lisa and her husband Todd Zukowski of Portland; 14 grandchildren, Michael Esposito, Angela Esposito, Anthony Esposito, Nicholas Esposito, Michaela Roberts, Tyler Esposito, Joseph Esposito, Joseph Zukowski, Justin Zukowski, Ellie Zukowski, Andrew Dobson, Samuel Esposito, Kyle Johnson and Jacob Johnson; and one great grandson Joseph Esposito. Also surviving are brothers Tony and his wife Rose of N.H., John and wife Stella of Portland, and Neil and wife Patricia of Westbrook. He is also survived my many many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation on Tuesday February 25, 2014 from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home 199 Woodford St. Portland, Maine. Prayers will be recited Wednesday February 26, 2014 at 9 a.m. in the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Peters Roman Catholic Church at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery in South Portland, Maine. A reception will be held at the Italian Heritage Center in Portland, Maine. On-line condolences can be given to the family at www.jonesrichandhutchins.com.