Obituary: Ralph Henry “Papa” Amoroso
Ralph Henry “Papa” Amoroso, 83, Dies After Long Life of Service and Family
Portland, Maine – Ralph Henry Amoroso, a longtime Portland resident known as “Papa,” died peacefully surrounded by family on September 19, 2026. The 83‑year‑old was born on October 20, 1942, to Diana Salamone and Phillipo Amoroso at 33 Sheridan Street, a Munjoy Hill address that would become his home for most of his life.
Amoroso attended Portland High School, where he was a varsity football player. He spent his early years on Munjoy Hill before moving to Oak Street in Ferry Village and later to Alfred Street in South Portland, where he and his wife Jean lived for more than six decades.
His career began in public service. Amoroso served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve before joining the Portland Police Department. He spent more than twenty years as a patrolman, earning a commendation for bravery. His assignments included motorcycle, horse‑mounted patrols, and work at the Portland International Airport. After leaving the force, Amoroso spent part of his semi‑retirement working for Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home.
In retirement, Amoroso and Jean traveled extensively across Maine, New England, and Canada, enjoying local sites, coffee with friends, and visits to family in California, Virginia, South Carolina, and North Carolina, where his son Gino had served in the Marine Corps. The couple’s travels also took them to the son’s home in the Carolinas.
Amoroso was pre‑deceased by his parents, his wife Jean, and his sister Camella. He is survived by sister Vinnie and brothers Frances and Philip; his three sons—Gino, John, and Vincent—along with their wives Martha, Annette, and Julie; six grandchildren—Amanda, Lynn, Brooke, Vincent, Pietro, and Francesca; and nine great‑grandchildren—Kaya, Gino, Aron, Jack, Bella, Matthew, Lucille, Vivienne, and Kenneth.
Funeral arrangements
Visiting hours will be held Thursday, September 24, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., at Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford Street, Portland. A Christian burial Mass will take place Friday, September 25, at 10:00 a.m. in St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, Scarborough. Graveside services will follow at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland. Family and friends are invited to sign an online guest book at http://www.jonesrichandbarnes.com.
