James P. Maffei

James P. Maffei, 85, of 141 Wilson St., died Tuesday, October 7, 2008, in Whittier Rehabilitation Center, Westborough, after a brief illness.

He leaves six nieces, including his caregiver, Louise Rotti, of Clinton, Robin Rowe, Susan Cusson, Donna Bucciaglia, Kathy Thompson, and Karen Maffei; five nephews: David Cusson, Michael, Thomas, Edward, and James Maffei; his close friends, Carl & Bonnie Petricca, and Barbara Goodwin and her family, daughter of his longtime companion, Helen Williams, who predeceased him in 1998; several grandnieces and grandnephews. He was also predeceased by seven brothers: Generoso, Michael, Samuel, Alfred, Albert, Joseph, and Anthony Maffei, and three sisters: Fioria Maffei, Frances Rotti, and Louise Cusson.

James was born in Clinton, son of Giacomo and Louisa (Aquino) Maffei, and was a lifelong resident. He was a graduate of Clinton High School, Class of 1941.

For over thirty years, he worked as a heavy equipment operator/truck driver for the Town of Clinton, Department of Public Works, retiring in 1978.

He was a US Navy Veteran of both WWII and the Korean Conflict.

A lifelong member of Our Lady of the Rosary Church, he was also a member of the Clinton Lodge of Elks, where he ran the Red Cross Blood Drive, and the Bingo Program; the American Legion; the Veterans of Foreign Wars; and the ITAM Club.

He was a staunch follower of the New York Yankees, and attended several World Series Games.

James' funeral will be held on Friday, October 10, 2008, from the McNally & Watson Funeral Home, 304 Church St., with a Mass in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 1 Cross St., AT A TIME TO BE ANNOUNCED. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery, Lancaster. Calling hours at the funeral home will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2008, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Flowers may be sent, or donations may be made in his memory to Our Lady of the Rosary Church Oil Fund, 1 Cross St., Clinton, MA 01510.

www.mcnallywatson.com