John "Steve" Maiorano

MILLBURY– John “Steve” Maiorano, 75, passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday, July 6th, surrounded by his loving family.

Steve leaves his wife of 49 years, Janice (Rabidou) Maiorano; his brother, Vincent Maiorano; his sister, Paula Paldino; many nephews and a niece.  He is predeceased by his father, Vincent Maiorano and his mother Ruth (Scarcello) Maiorano.

Words of remembrance from Steve’s loving wife, Janice:

Steve fought his battle with cancer for seven years.  He never once complained.  He was more worried about me. During his last few weeks when he knew the time was coming closer, he was so brave and kept smiling.  During his last five days, I cannot thank my sister-in-law, Bernice Rabidou, my nephew Francis Wheeler and his son Bryce Wheeler for their help in caring for him. He was always sliding down the bed and they would help pull him up, turn him over, put pillows under him and make him laugh. Francis was on call during the night in case we needed him.  Bernice, all day and during the night, would get up and check on him.  She was there 24/7.  I couldn’t have made it through this time if it wasn’t for her.  I am forever grateful to her.

I also can’t thank enough his nephews, brothers-in law, sisters-in-law, and the people that made a point to come visit him, talking to him when he couldn’t talk back, kissing and hugging him. There isn’t room to say all your names, but your visits meant so much to him.  I will forever be grateful to you, as well.

And to the Harrington Way Gang, you all meant so much to him.  He loved planning and having the yearly reunions.  He drove me crazy.  Everything had to be perfect, right down to the tablecloths! :)  He would always laugh and tell me stories of all of you from kindergarten through high school. This year will be the 20th reunion and I know he would want you to still have it.  He loved you all. Thank you for your support and good wishes during his sickness.

And lastly, Wednesday nights was the day of the week for him.  He just loved spending hours in the pool with Bryce, and as he got older, playing card games Fish, War and Scat with him.  And he loved Francis’ cooking, except if it was steak. Playing with Bryce brought back memories of him doing the same thing with his nephew, Timothy, when they would spend hours in the pool until their lips were purple. And to his nephew Benjamin, who whenever Steve had computer problems, would come right over and fix it for him, countless times. To all his nephews and niece, he loved you all.  He never, ever had a bad thing to say about any of you.  You all brought him so much happiness. You were all there for him at the end and I cannot thank you enough.

Steve loved going to the casino, off-roading at the Cape, touring National Parks, Doo-Wop music, collecting 45 vinyl records and most of all he loved the trees in our yard. So, in his memory, if you can, plant a tree.  He would love that.

Family and friends will celebrate and remember Steve’s life by gathering for his Funeral Mass on Monday, July 18th at 11 a.m. in St. Brigid’s Church, 59 N. Main Street in Millbury.  His burial will follow at Central Cemetery, Millbury.