Robert J. Maffei, Sr.
July 31, 1930 – October 18, 2011
Robert J. Maffei, Sr., age 81 of Fairfield, the beloved husband of 57 years of Lorraine “Skippy” (Ruddy) Maffei, passed away on Tuesday, October 18, 2011. Born in Stamford, he attended St. Basil’s Prep and Mt. St. Mary’s College. He was employed by SNET for 28 years, retiring in 1982. He was the captain of the football and baseball teams while at St. Basil’s and played football for Mt. St. Mary’s. Bob also played football and baseball while serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, while touring some parts of Europe. He was honorably discharged in 1954. Bob played for the Stamford Twi-Light League (Paragons/Belltown); played fast pitch for Stamford Knights of Columbus; coached Little League – Stamford (Kiwanis); coached Little League and Pop Warner in Fairfield; was the Assistant Football Coach – Andrew Warde High School; and the Assistant Football Coach for over fifteen years – Fairfield Prep. Bob was a member the Knights of Columbus (Fairfield Council); Fairfield County Football Officials; Eastern Association of Intercollegiate football officials. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his loving children, Robert J. Maffei, Jr. and his wife, Eileen of Trumbull and Cathy Ives and her husband, David of Madison. He will also be missed by grandchildren, Robert J. Maffei, III, and Alexandra and Daniel Ives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Leona Maffei; four brothers, Philip, Andrew, Nicholas and Joseph Maffei; and two sisters, Vera Cantori and Grace Griffin. Friends are invited to attend the funeral on Saturday, October 22, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. directly at Holy Family Church in Fairfield. Interment will follow in Lawncroft Cemetery. The Shaughnessey Banks Funeral Home, 50 Reef Rd. in Fairfield Center has been entrusted with the arrangements. Memorial donations may be made in Bob’s name to: American Cancer Society, 372 Danbury Rd. Ste. 3, Wilton, CT 06897 or at www.cancer.org; or American Heart Association, Founders Affiliate, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA, 02241 or at www.heart.org; or Trumbull Touchdown Club Inc., P.O. Box 110027, Trumbull, CT 06611; or to the Daniel Hand H.S. Football Boosters, c/o Athletic Dept., 286 Green Hill Rd., Madison, CT 06443.
Coach, You will always have a special place in my heart. A friend and Mentor. you guided me in good time and bad. You’re at peace now (Paul).
Coach, You are a true friend. I hope you know how much I’ve appreciated your guidance and support. You always said things the way I needed to hear them. You and Skippy always treated me like I was family. There is no one else like you. I will miss you and our conversations. Rest in peace.
Love, Bobby Didato
A great guy! Always working for the kids. He will be missed.
Coachy,
Words cannot express how much you meant to me and “the boys” (Nathan & Jonah). To them you will always be “grampa coach”. They looked forward to you and Skippy’s christmas presents (wooden birdhouse, wooden airplanes) and it was great because you gave them something they had to put together. Unique in so many ways you were like a second father to me and i’ll miss your wisdom. You are truly one of a kind and will never be forgotten.
Love,
Mark
Deepest condolences go out to the entire Maffei family. You will be in our prayers.
We have many fond memories of Bob including his calling our son “Eddy Spaghetti” every time he saw him. A geat husband, father, granddad, and friend. Our deepest condolences to Skip, Bobby, and Cathy.
A Great man and a great legacy..it has been my pleasure to be his doctor for many years..he will be missed…May he rest comfortably in the hands of God
Coach, You had a profound influence on my life. The life lessons you taught me helped shape the person I am today. I try, everyday, to emulate the compassion, respect and integrity that you instilled in all of us. You inspired me to become a coach. Thank you for all you did for all of us. Rest in peace.
Love Peter
Coach Maffei and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
We are sorry for your loss.
Coach Maffei & Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
The staff at Madison Radiology wish sincere condolences to Cathy Ives and her family.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rest In Peace Coach. We learned a lot from you on the football field; work ethic, humor, pride, relentlessness, and to “never say die…”
My condolences go out to the entire Maffei family. He will be missed by all.
Many great memories of Coach Maffei at The Prep. He touched so many lives over the years. Sincerest condolences to everyone in the Maffei family.
Aunt Skippy, Bobby, Cathy and families,
So sad to hear of the passing of Uncle Bob. He was a special and kind soul. Uncle Bob and your entire family hold a very special place in my heart. May his memory be eternal.
Love,
Elaine Ruddy
To the Maffei family:
Your husband, father, and grandfather as you know was tough, compassionate, and loving. I personally considered Mr. Maffei to be a mentor as well as friend, a rich example of what was important about living as a citizen within a community. Our lives intersected for only a brief period of time but the effect for me was everlasting. If we bring forward only one quality that Bob possessed we are all much the better for it. It was with sadness that I heard of his passing.
Allen Stanczyk