November 19, 2015 — One of the three brothers who own and operate an iconic fish market on Portland’s waterfront has died, following a long struggle with cancer.
Benjamin A. Alfiero, 59, of Scarborough, died Monday, his family said.
Alfiero and his brothers, Nick Alfiero and Mike Alfiero, have been involved in the operation of the Harbor Fish Market since their father Ben Alfiero Sr. founded the business in 1969.
For years, Benjamin A. Alfiero ran the retail store for Harbor Fish Market, which is located at 9 Custom House Wharf on the city’s waterfront.
“He was the face of the business in a lot of ways,” said his younger brother, Mike Alfiero. “Ben became a local celebrity.”
Alfiero was born and raised in Portland, the son of Benjamin and Gloria Alfiero.
He attended Portland schools and graduated from Portland High School.
He joined the business as a teenager and never lost interest.
“We grew up doing every aspect of the entire operation, from cutting fish to sweeping floors,” Mike Alfiero said.
In the 1990s, when their father retired, the three brothers took over.