Michael Salvatore Maiorana

In Loving Memory of Michael Salvatore Maiorana, son of Angelo and Maria Maiorana. A significant family member of Monterey's Sardine fishing history. Mike was the epic marina and harbor developer on the Bay and was always a highly respected Surveyor of Land and Title Research throughout Monterey County. It is with heavy grief and spiritual tears that we announce his passing on Sunday, December 3, 2023. In the glorious child-raising years of life, the Maiorana daughters, Maria (Russo) and Francesca (Ryder), grew up in the loving, precious home of the Maioranas and eventually married, having children of their own. Maria (Russo) married and had two loving, beautiful children, Joey and Angela Russo. Fran married the love of her life, Larry Ryder, and had three children, Michael, Ashley and Antonio Ryder. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren arrived, growing the family over a lifetime of celebrating every new life born with joy and happiness. Mike called the new babies his Champions and had a spiritual experience every time he held one in his arms. In Mike's early years, he arrived from Marettimo at the age of three. He was a very curious young boy, and at the age of 12, he discovered a jar of solid gold coins during the construction of a Music Building at Monterey High School. Mike graduated from Monterey High School, continued his educational training at Monterey Peninsula College, and studied Land Surveying. He became highly respected in his field and continued studying Title Insurance issues, and chain-of-title and was trained working for local Title Companies in Monterey County. Eventually, Mike was often called as an expert witness by well-respected attorneys and Title Insurance companies to appear in court for his testimony. Mike's love for the ocean, fishing fleets, and the Monterey Bay inspired him to seek, locate, and draw up plans for a marina called Breakwater Cove and a harbor with a limited number of boat slips. He started the Monterey Bay Boatworks during the years it took to gain approval from the City Of Monterey and Coastal Commission to begin construction. The years of Surveying and Title Insurance work provided the seed money to begin development with partners that also invested in the marina development project. Mike was actively involved in the community his entire life. He served on the St. Vincent DePaul Society to help the poor. Mike was the person that would help anyone if they asked. Mike served on the Knights of Columbus at St. Angela's Church and on the Italian Catholic Confederation to help the local community. He served with the Lions Organization for many years, which met weekly at the Elk's Club in Monterey. The family would like to especially thank Mike's caregiver, Claudia, his nurse, Monica from Hospice, and the many doctors and care team that cared for him. Mike is survived by his loving, Angelic wife of 60 years, Phyllis M. Maiorana, who arrived from the sacred old country of Marettimo, Sicily. Mike is also survived by his brothers-in-law, Gaspare & Phyllis Aliotti, Vince & Christina Aliotti, Salvatore & Fran Aliotti, Joe (deceased) & his wife, Pina Aliotti, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Donations to St. Vincent DePaul Society can be directed through St. Angela Merici Church to serve the local community of Monterey and Pacific Grove. Donations for an annual scholarship to one Monterey High School Senior graduating and looking for funds to attend college is currently being arranged with the High School Administration, or you may donate to a charity of your choice. Viewing and Rosary was held on Monday, Dec. 11, 2023, at The Paul Mortuary. Church Mass will be held at St. Angela Merici Church at 362 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, on Tuesday - December 12, 2023, at 10:00 AM.