Obituaries

Frank Ralph Maffei, age 90, died Thursday evening at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital in Coudersport. He was preceded in death on January 17, 1998, by his wife, Jean Moore Maffei. Born in Exeter on January 2, 1923, son of the late Louis and Rachelle Frasciello Maffei, Frank was a decorated Marine Corporal Veteran, proudly serving our country during WWII. From 1943-1946, he bravely fought in Iwo Jimo, Okinawa, Guadalcanal and Peleiu. Proud of his country and of being a Marine, he often told his family amazing stories regarding his time in the war. He was also once honored at the White House by a raising of the flag in his name.
Prior to his retirement, he worked as a foreman for Sauquoit Silk Mill. A loving father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend, his entire family will always love and miss him. He was a father to them all.
He is survived by his daughter, Joanna G. Hershey and husband Rodney L., of Roulette; a sister, Julia Dominick of Scranton; six grandchildren, Jessica Connor and husband Patrick, Duane Saunders and wife Jessie, Taini Richardson, Kachina Profaci, and husband Joseph, Jolon Richardson and JacyJene Richardson; six great grandchildren, twins Libby and Ian Saunders, Madilyn Profaci, Peyton, Ella, Seamus Connor; and many nieces and nephews.
Brothers, George, John, Pepeno, William, Leonard, Albert, Joseph and Eugene Maffei; and sisters, Betty Ferroni, Gilda Stefanko and Theresa Ferrana also preceded him in death.
His family would like to thank the staff of Sweden Valley Manor at Coudersport, where Frank had recently resided, for all of their care and support.
Funeral services are scheduled to begin on Saturday, December 28th, at 10:00AM from the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge, with a 11:00AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Barbara’s Parish Church, 28 Memorial Drive in Exeter, to be celebrated by Rev. Louis Grippi. Interment with full military honors by the AMVETS Honor Guard will follow in St. John the Baptist Cemetery.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Friday between 5-8:00PM at the funeral home.