Richard F. "Rick" Maiore

Richard (Rick) Maiore, 88, of Harvard, MA, passed away Thursday May 30, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Born September 4, 1935 he was the son of the late Diego and Severina (Marchisello) Maiore.

Rick grew up in Poughkeepsie, NY and attended Clarkson University where he earned a Masters 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 NY 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, NY in 1965 where they set about restoring a historic 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 Town Council, Planning Board and multiple roles in the town 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 again refurbishing another historic 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 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 of 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 familia” (“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 grand children. 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, 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 on Friday, June 14, 2024 from 4:00PM to 6:00PM at Badger Funeral Home, 347 King St. Littleton, MA. A memorial service will be held at the Congregational Church of Harvard on Saturday June 15, 2024 at 1:00PM followed by a reception at the Maiore home at 12 Woodchuck Hill Road.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to Congregational Church of Harvard.