Allen Maietta, a summer resident of Montauk for many years who was affectionately known as Big Al, died on Oct. 13 in New York City. The cause was complications of throat cancer, which returned last month after an initial diagnosis three years ago. Mr. Maietta, who also lived in Franklin Lakes, N.J., was 74.
He was a self-made businessman and a natural salesman, his family said, and the founder and owner of Fantastic Tool, a Livingston, N.J., manufacturer of diamond cutting wheels. He sold the company and retired 10 years ago.
Mr. Maietta loved spending time with family, friends, and his seven grandchildren, especially at their house on Old Montauk Highway, his family said. An enthusiastic golfer, he enjoyed the sport's social and competitive nature, and made himself a single-digit handicap player. He also enjoyed fine wine and dogs, above all Rocket, his constant companion, with whom he took daily walks at Navy Beach on Fort Pond Bay.
Born on July 29, 1946, in Jersey City to Pat Maietta and the former Anita Trebbi, he grew up in nearby New Milford, N.J., attending high school there before serving in the Marine Reserve during the Vietnam War. He and the former Katherine Jamieson, who survives, were married on Dec. 27, 1976.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Maietta is survived by his four children, Keith Maietta of Media, Pa., Steven Maietta of Park Ridge, N.J., Stephanie Gaddi of San Diego, and Nicholas Maietta of Washington, D.C. His seven grandchildren are P.J., Samuel, and Louisa Gaddi of San Diego, Patrick and Leo Maietta of Franklin Lakes, and Kayla and Vincent Maietta of Media. A brother, Steven Maietta of East Hampton, also survives, as do a niece and a nephew.
Visiting hours were held on Oct. 18, with burial the following day, both in Franklin Lakes.
Mr. Maietta's family has suggested memorial contributions to K9s for Warriors, which rescues and trains shelter dogs to be paired as service dogs for veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or military sexual trauma, at k9sforwarriors.org.