Roberta Dow Giampetruzzi 1924-2018

CASCO – Roberta Dow Giampetruzzi, 93, passed away peacefully at her daughter, Nina’s, home on Panther Pond in Raymond, during the early morning hours of Friday, May 25, 2018. Roberta was the first child of Mildred Plummer Dow and Robert E. Dow born Oct. 13, 1924. She was born in Brunswick and raised in Augusta. She had one sister, Arolyn Dow Antognoni.

From an early age Roberta demonstrated a strong curiosity or learning and academics and a force of will to set and accomplish goals. She often recalled with pride an early success to become the first chair violinist in the Cony High School orchestra. She received Bachelor of Arts Degree in Romance Languages from the University of Maine, Orono. 

Roberta met Nino Giampetruzzi at UMO and they married in 1946. She was a devoted mother and raised six children: Janet Blessing, Peter (Sue), David (Carol Sue), Nina (Robert) Kamman, Robert (Joann) and Steven (Ann). They made their home on Center Street in Portland where Nino owned and operated Felice’s Market.

Roberta shared her love of education as a teacher of English at King Jr. High School in Portland. Her other passion was a rustic camp on Clary Lake in North Whitefield where she and her family spent their summers. She retired there and achieved a sense of well-being.

An accomplished seamstress and knitter, she made her own clothes and knitted countless sweaters for family members (often from wool of her own sheep). She delighted in cooking and was known for her agility in preparing delicious meals. 

Roberta was also an adventurer and loved travelling. As an empty nester, she spent several winters in Florida. Roberta immersed herself in English culture, literature and gardens on her many trips to England and explored Western Europe and North Africa. 

Roberta is predeceased by her husband Nino, her sister Arolyn, and her brother-in-law Robert Antognoni. Besides her six children, she leaves behind 13 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Resurrection in celebration of her life will take place on Saturday, June 9, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress St., Portland.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to the:
Alzheimer’s Fund or
Animal Refuge League
of Greater Portland or 
Good Shepherd Food Bank