Tireless volunteer in service to the town, devoted to family, 2015 Citizen of Note
Rick Maiore. (Courtesy photo)
Richard (Rick) Maiore, 88, of Harvard, died Thursday, May 30, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born Sept. 4, 1935, he was the son of Diego and Severina (Marchisello) Maiore.
Rick grew up in Poughkeepsie, New York, and attended Clarkson University, where he earned a master’s degree in electrical engineering. He began his career working for Honeywell in New York City. Rick took full advantage of being young and in the city, owning a Spider convertible and a Chinese junk sailboat in New York Harbor. It was there he met the love of his life and wife of 61 years, Frances Cowart.
Rick and Frances settled in Pound Ridge, New York, in 1965, where they set about restoring a historical house in the town’s hamlet and starting a family of four children: Rich, Rachel, Kathryn, and Daniel. Rick became active in town, serving on the Town Council, Planning Board, and in multiple roles in the town’s church. In 1973, Rick was awarded the Good Neighbor Award for his service to the town.
In 1980, Rick was tasked by Honeywell to lead the effort to overhaul the automation of the U.S. Postal Service. This required moving and Rick chose Harvard as the family’s new home. Here, he and Frances set about refurbishing another historical house on Woodchuck Hill, which was their home and family gathering spot for the past 44 years.
Rick again made service to the community a priority. He served on the Select Board, Planning Board, and numerous other committees. One of his greatest satisfactions was working to bring projects to fruition, including the new Hildreth Elementary School, Council on Aging building, Town Hall, McCurdy Track, and Public Safety Building. As a member of the Permanent Building Committee, Rick was looking forward to tackling the construction of the new Department of Public Works building at the time of his death.
His contributions to the town of Harvard over the last 40 years are immeasurable, and in 2015, Rick was recognized as Harvard’s Citizen of Note.
A consummate family man, he enjoyed hosting elaborate gatherings for family and friends. Rick was a wonderful cook, from Feast of Seven Fishes to lobster bakes to Sunday pasta dinners. Meals at the Maiore house always began with a toast of “Alla famiglia” (“To Family”) and ended several hours later after much laughter, with full bellies, and filled hearts.
A man of many interests, Rick enjoyed working in his garden, woodworking, and being part of his poker club. But by far his greatest joy was being Pop-Pop or Grandpa to his 11 grandchildren. He kept tabs on each of their latest accomplishments, attending countless dance recitals, ballgames, and school events. He was always sharing encouragement and wisdom, having recently learned to text and to use emojis and social media to keep up with them.
Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Rick for a period of visitation Friday, June 14, 2024, from 4 to 6 p.m at Badger Funeral Home, 347 King Street, Littleton. A memorial service will be held at the Congregational Church of Harvard on Saturday, June 15, at 1 p.m., followed by a reception at the Maiore home at 12 Woodchuck Hill Road.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to the Congregational Church of Harvard.
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