Michele Arcangelo "Mike" Maffeo of Medford passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, August 11. Born and raised in Sant'Angelo All'Esca, Avellino, Italy, he was the son of the late Vittorio and Luisa Iannino Maffeo.
Mike learned the trade of woodworking with his father and late brother Francesco. He later went to Venezuela for seven years to work as a master carpenter. On September 13, 1959, he married Italia Manganese in Italy and came to America. He resided in Medford and raised four children, Victor, Luisa, Carolina, and Maria.
Mike was talented, skillful, and well known for making fine kitchen cabinets and desks with great detail and craftsmanship. He was readily available to friends when they needed side jobs. He had a collection and passion for tools.
Mike enjoyed making red wine, canned tomatoes, prosciutto, and cultivating his vegetable and fruit garden. He was happy when he was surrounded by his family during all family gatherings. He loved all his seven grandchildren, Daniel, Talia, Alexandra, Michael, Jaclyn, Christina, and Samantha.
Mike was the beloved husband of Italia (Manganese) Maffeo, and the devoted father of Victor Maffeo and his wife Brenda of Billerica, Luisa Ruccolo and her husband Nicola of North Reading, Carolina Mango and her husband Alex of Billerica, and Maria Baffo and her husband John of Revere. He was the loving Nonno of Michael, Jaclyn, and Samantha Maffeo, Daniel and Christina Ruccolo, and Talia and Alexandra Mango, and the dear brother of the late Francesco and Gina. Mike is also survived by loving nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed and will remain forever in our hearts.
Funeral from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford on Thursday, August 16 at 9 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Clement Church, 71 Warner St., Medford, at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Services will conclude with entombment at Holy Cross Mausoleum, Malden. Visiting hours Wednesday, August 15, from 4 through 8 PM.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent in Mike's name to St. Jude Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942.