Joseph Marfuggi

Joseph Marfuggi, the former longtime CEO of Riverfront Recapture Inc., died this week at the age of 77 after a long and courageous battle with a series of illnesses. For nearly 30 years, Joe was the driving force behind the redevelopment and creation of a nationally recognized network of public parks along the Connecticut River that attracted millions of visitors and much acclaim during his tenure, not only from the Capitol region, but from across the country. Joe was particularly proud of the cultural and sporting events held on the river and in the parks that brought together the diverse communities of Connecticut in an environment of natural beauty. Joe's varied career and his personal life focused on public service with a particular commitment to the City of Hartford and the surrounding region. After receiving a master's degree in journalism from Stanford University, Joe began his career as a suburban bureau chief for the Hartford Times. He then joined Xerox Education Publications as a writer and editor of current events for school use, earning two All-American Express Awards for feature writing. He was later part of the development team at the University of Connecticut Health Center. By the mid 1970's, Joe was Director of the "Back to the City" program for the Connecticut Housing Investment Fund, where he created the successful "At Home in Hartford" house tours, exposing thousands to the city's living options. In the late 1970's, Joe served as Program Development Director at the City Institute of the University of Hartford, where he created programs that increased awareness about uniquely urban issues and regionalism. During those years he also was a part-time instructor at Greater Hartford Community College, teaching courses in state and local government and contemporary social issues. Later, and before joining Riverfront Recapture, Joe served as District Director for then-Congressman Toby Moffett, as well as the Communications Director for Moffett's political campaigns. Joe was especially proud of his Honorary Degrees from the University of Hartford and Goodwin College. Those who knew Joe will remember him as an avid Yankees and UConn Huskies basketball fan. Joe was born in Proctor, Vermont to the late Joseph and late Mary Marfuggi. He is survived and will be sorely missed by his wife Sherry Brown-Marfuggi; his sister and brother-in-law Louise and Joe Coates of Vermont; his niece and her husband, Mary Lou and Jim Dahmer of Florida; his nephew and his wife; David and Jennifer Coates of Virginia; and his nephew and his wife Paul and Rhonda Coates of Vermont. His beloved extended family included Sherry's daughter Barbara Hennessy and her husband Matt as well as her son Matt Weady and his wife Lois. All are encouraged to join a celebration of Joe's life on Sunday, October 28th at 2:00 p.m. in the Belding Theatre at the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Riverfront Recapture or to another worthy charity of your choice.