March 27, 1935 - December 3, 2023
Monterey, California
In Loving Memory of Michael Salvatore Maiorana, a significant family member of
Monterey's Sardine fishing history. Mike was the epic marina and harbor developer on
the Bay, and was always a highly respected Surveyor of Land and Title Research
throughout Monterey County. It is with heavy grief and spiritual tears, that we announce
his passing on Sunday December 3, 2023.
Mike is survived by his loving, Angelic wife of 60 years, Phyllis M. Maiorana, who arrived
from the sacred old country of Marettimo, Sicily.
In the glorious child-raising years of life, the Maiorana daughters, Maria (Russo) and
Francesca (Ryder), grew up in the loving, precious home of the Maioranas and eventually
married, having children of their own. Maria (Russo) married and had two loving,
beautiful children, Joey and Angela Russo. Fran married the love of her life, Larry
Ryder, and had three children, Michael, Ashley and Antonio Ryder.
Grandchildren and great-grandchildren arrived, growing the family over a lifetime of
celebrating every new life born with joy and happiness. Mike called the new babies his
Champions and had a spiritual experience every time he held one in his arms.
In Mike's early years, he arrived from Marettimo at the age of three. He was a very
curious young boy, and at the age of 12, he discovered a jar of solid gold coins during
the construction of a Music Building at Monterey High School.
Mike graduated from Monterey High School, continued his educational training at
Monterey Peninsula College, and studied Land Surveying. He became highly respected
in his field and continued studying Title Insurance issues, and chain-of-title and was
trained working for local Title Companies in Monterey County. Eventually, Mike was often
called as an expert witness by well-respected attorneys and Title Insurance companies
to appear in court for his testimony.
Mike's love for the ocean, fishing fleets, and the Monterey Bay inspired him to seek,
locate, and draw up plans for a marina called Breakwater Cove and a harbor with a
limited number of boat slips. He started the Monterey Bay Boatworks during the years
it took to gain approval from the City Of Monterey and Coastal Commission to begin
construction.
The years of Surveying and Title Insurance work provided the seed money to begin
development with partners that also invested in the marina development project.
Mike was actively involved in the community his entire life. He served on the St. Vincent
DePaul Society to help the poor. Mike was the person that would help anyone if
they asked.
Mike served on the Knights of Columbus at St. Angela's Church and on the Italian
Catholic Confederation to help the local community. He served with the Lions Organization
for many years, which met weekly at the Elk's Club in Monterey.
The family would like to especially thank Mike's caregiver, Claudia, his nurse, Monica
from Hospice, and the many doctors and care team that cared for him.
Mike is survived by his brothers-in-law, Gaspare & Phyllis Aliotti, Vince & Christina
Aliotti, Salvatore & Fran Aliotti, Joe (deceased) & his wife, Pina Aliotti, and many
nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Donations to St. Vincent DePaul Society can be directed through St. Angela Merici
Church to serve the local community of Monterey and Pacific Grove.
Donations for an annual scholarship to one Monterey High School Senior graduating
and looking for funds to attend college is currently being arranged with the High
School Administration, or you may donate to a charity of your choice.
A viewing will be held on Monday, Dec. 11, 2023, at The Paul Mortuary of Pacific
Grove, 390 Lighthouse Ave, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A Rosary will be held at 6:00 PM
for those wishing to participate. The Church Mass will be held at St. Angela Merici Church at 362 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, on Tuesday - December 12, 2023, at 10:00 AM.
PALLBEARERS
Michael RyderPallbearer
Antonio RyderPallbearer
Joey RussoPallbearer
Frank AliottiPallbearer
Frank J. AliottiPallbearer
Joe AliottiPallbearer
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