- Date Of Birth: December 11, 1919
- Date Of Death: February 25, 2014
- State: Maine
Neil J. Taliento
December 11, 1919
February 25, 2014
Portland – Neil J. Taliento, 94, died peacefully at St. Joseph’s Manor on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014. Neil was born in Portland, on Dec. 11, 1919 to Michelina and Luigi Taliento of Portland, Maine and Naples, Italy. One of 7 boys and 5 girls, their close knit and devoted family grew up on Hampshire Street. As a child of 7 years Neil began his career selling newspapers on Congress Street to bankers and businessmen. Later he sold ice-cream on the Portland waterfront to fishermen and dock workers. He turned all his earnings over to his mother, except for a few pennies he kept aside for a daily treat of mashed potatoes that he bought at a shop in Monument Square. In spite of his responsibilities, Neil always looked back on his childhood days in Portland with warmth and affection.
His positive outlook, work ethic, and commitment to family served him well throughout his life. He and two brothers founded Tally Brothers Food Brokerage, building a successful business with clients throughout New England. For Neil, work and family were intertwined. He remained in partnership with his two brothers for 38 years. while his beloved wife Mona worked as their office manager for over 25 years.
Neil’s toughness, drive and tenacity were qualities he applied to every aspect of his life. Neil played football at Portland High School where he graduated in 1938.
