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Joseph "Joe" Maffei

1934 - 2018

Joseph "Joe" Maffei obituary, 1934-2018, Mesa, AZ

BORN

1934

DIED

2018

Joseph Maffei Obituary

Joseph "Joe" Maffei

Mesa - Joseph "Joe" Maffei of Mesa, AZ passed away peacefully June 17, 2018 at the age of 84. He is survived by a daughter Sharon, son Joseph S., granddaughter Tina, and greatgrandchildren Damian and Dylan.

Joe was born in Pennsylvania in 1934, spending most his life there in the trucking industry in the northeastern states. He moved to Arizona in 1994 and continued in the industry as driver, team leader, and supervisor. He retired in 2007.

But he will be most remembered for pursuing his great love of trains. He grew up in eastern Pennsylvania, the heart of early railroading. He built his first major model train layout in Pennsylvania. Then in retirement, he rebuilt the layout in his Arizona home. In 2010 he joined the Arizona Train Museum in Chandler, AZ , where he became equally efficient working on real vintage locomotives and other railroad rolling stock. He even built an amazing one-of-a kind model train layout in a real antique wooden boxcar built in 1909 that became a favorite attraction for the young and old visitors to the Museum. Joe was also a volunteer docent for the Museum, escorting visitors through the Museum explaining the exhibits of vintage locomotives, passenger cars, and various types of freight cars and cabooses. He was a favorite among visitors with his extensive knowledge of trains and train history.

Per his request, no services or visitation will be held. His remains will be interred at Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park in Mesa, AZ.

Published by The Arizona Republic on Jul. 12, 2018.
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My heart felt condolences. May you find comfort in your family and friends in this time of need
( Proverbs 17: 17 ).

EJ

July 12, 2018

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