1948 – 2014

AUBURN — John Michael Beatrice, 66, of Auburn, passed away early Thursday, Sept. 11, following a courageous battle against cancer.

He was born in Middletown, Conn., on Aug. 21, 1948, the son of the late Manuel John Beatrice and the late Edith Barattiero. He was married to Nancy Irene (Dagneau) Beatrice on Aug. 16, 1969, and moved to Auburn in 1976 with their two children. They recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary with family and friends.

John worked for Seltzer & Rydholm, Humpty Dumpty and PFG NorthCenter for many years. However, he was best known as a small business owner in Auburn owning Pleasant St. Market, Central Maine Wholesale, and Za’ Pizza Market & Eatery. His love of running his own business, serving his customers and making pizza kept him busy until retirement in 2011.

John was a loyal husband, father and grandfather, who enjoyed reading, the Maine coast, lighthouses and his pets.

He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Nancy of Auburn; his son, John David of Ohio; and his daughter, Nicole Marie, of Auburn. He had four wonderful and talented grandchildren, Audrey Anne Marie, Ella Renae Elizabeth, John Gregory Phillip and Andrew David. He is also survived by three sisters, Patricia Paulovske of Connecticut, Ann Dezendorf of California and Laura Olson of New Hampshire; and a brother, James Beatrice of New York.

The family would like to thank Mary Dempsey and volunteers at The Dempsey Center along with the staff and volunteers at the Androscoggin Hospice House in Auburn for their loving care.