Frank Ralph Maffei

Frank Ralph Maffei, 90, died Thursday evening, Dec. 19, 2013, in Charles Cole Memorial Hospital in Coudersport. He was preceded in death on Jan. 17, 1998, by his wife, Jean Moore Maffei.

Born in Exeter on Jan. 2, 1923, son of the late Louis and Rachelle Frasciello Maffei, Frank was a decorated Marine corporal veteran, proudly serving our country during World War II. 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 at 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., Roulette; a sister, Julia Dominick, 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 Saturday, Dec. 28, at 10 a.m. from the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 517 N. Main St., Old Forge, with a 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Barbara's Parish Church, 28 Memorial Drive, Exeter, to be celebrated by the 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 between 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Please visit www.KearneyFuneralHome.com for directions or to leave an online condolence.