John T. Esposito

Portland-John Teresio Esposito, 92, died peacefully at his home in Portland, surrounded by his family on Thursday, November 17, 2022. 

Born in Portland, on October 25, 1930, to Teresa (Russo) Esposito and Joseph Esposito, John was the son of Italian immigrants, and the second youngest of nine children.

John grew up in the Portland community of Munjoy Hill.  Lifelong friendships were forged on “The Hill”.  The tightknit group known as the “Adams Street Gang” could be found playing baseball, football or other sports on any street corner, vacant lot or field.  Those ties followed John into his adult life and remained strong over the years. John always enjoyed catching up with a childhood friend to laugh about the “good ole days”.  The experiences they shared growing up during the Depression taught them humility, and gratitude for all they accomplished during their lifetime. 

In 1948, John graduated from Portland High School.  During his school years he also worked alongside his father to help support the family; fishing and lobstering, helping repair boats and mending fishing nets.  At age 17, he was called up as part of the National Guard’s response to the 1947 wildfires that devastated much of the state. 

John proudly served his country in the US Navy as a Gunner’s Mate on the USS Fulton from 1950-1954. He also became part of a long Navy tradition of competitive sports when he was recruited to play on the Navy softball and baseball teams, a program meant to boost morale and productivity among Sailors.  

It was on a blind date that John met a pretty young nurse named Estella, who became the love of his life.  They were married October 8, 1955 and together raised four children.

He found employment making shoes, working as a hand-sewer at Sebago Moccasin in Westbrook.  It wasn’t unusual for John to bring work home, sewing shoes on a boot-jack kept in the cellar to earn additional income to support his growing family. He enjoyed working with many friends and some family members during his time there. 

In 1972 he partnered with his brothers and sisters to establish Esposito’s Restaurant, a beloved Portland landmark for many years.  As the business grew, he again joined with his siblings to invest in the Marshview restaurant in Scarborough. 

A lifelong sports fan, John embraced softball as a player and a coach.  His teams went to state, regional, and national tournaments.  He loved the sport. Even at age 60 he was occasionally called upon to play and could still smack the ball using his self-described “Ted Williams eyes”.  Carrying that enthusiasm into his role as a grandparent, John and Estella were regulars at their grandkids’ games, meets, tournaments and events.  They seldom missed out, cheering on their own grandkids as well as every kid on the team.  They were lovingly known to all as Gram and Grampa.  

Family meant everything to John. Any occasion was a great reason to gather and celebrate with his wife, kids and grandkids. He embraced friends and treated them as part of his family.  He always felt it important to include others and make them feel welcome.  He loved to laugh, he told great stories, and was kind to others. 

John was predeceased by his parents, Teresa and Joseph; his brothers Anthony, Vincent, Joseph and Nathan; sisters Mary Mauro, Margaret Stoddard and Josephine Caiazzo.

John is survived by his wife Estella of Portland, his brother Neil of Westbrook, sons John and his wife Bonnie of Falmouth, Anthony and his wife Karen of Gorham, and daughters Estella of South Portland, and Bernadette Danis and her husband Dale Danis of Portland; four grandchildren, Joshua Danis, Christopher Esposito and his wife Anastasia, Matthew Esposito, and Emily Esposito. 

The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Daniel Loiselle, M.D., Pamela Kratzer, A.P.R.N and their staff for many years of TLC, and Dr. John Winters III, M.D. and his staff for their most recent care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to a local Veterans support group, the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choosing.

 The family suggests remembering John with a kind word for a stranger, a cold Bud for a friend, or an extra hug for a family member. A memorial gathering for family and close friends will take place in the Spring. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John T. Esposito, please visit our floral store.