Ralph Joseph Maffei, born in Jamaica, Queens, long time resident of Glenwood Village, Riverhead, NY, passed away on June 6, 2021 at the age of 86. Proud veteran of the United States Army. Beloved husband of Claire Marie. Devoted father of William (Nancy), Kevin (Tina), Ralph, AnneMarie (Michael), and Frank (Melissa). Ralph was a cherished Grandfather of 14 and a Great Grandfather of 6 and 2 on the way. Ralph was a dedicated son to the late Vita & Frank Maffei, as well as a dear brother to Anna and her late husband Anthony Gatto. He was also a caring son-in- law to the late Claire and Vincent Kavanagh. Ralph was a fond brother-in-law to Carole and Rick Babineau, the late Vincent Kavanagh and Thomas Kavanagh and his late wife Rose. A dear uncle and cousin to many and a kind hearted friend to all who knew him.

Our Dad was the epitome of integrity. He taught us how to get by on a shoe string yet give like we were the richest people on the planet without the monetary included. He worked 3 jobs to provide for his family and he and my Mother made Christmas morning look like we were the Rockefellers. He never let us do without. We had family vacations we will always cherish and they made this happen because he worked like a horse. His work ethic was way above standard. He started working at the age of 14 and lied about his age so he could actually work. He and my Mom had their own business on top of his other jobs, and while raising 5 kids, and we were not angels lol. Our point is, our parents did everything they could possibly do for us and so much more. We learned from the best and we will continue to be ever so grateful for the tools he taught us with out really teaching us…we learned by example. We learned a great work ethic; we learned to love and be loved and to appreciate the little victories as well as the big victories. We learned to be kind to others, and to love our family unconditionally and when we say “family” that includes our friends who also have been through our ups and downs.

Golf…our Dad loved golf. He did not just love the sport of it, it was mostly being with the people that brought him joy while doing it. The quality time together is immeasurable. Bowling… Dad and Mom bowled with their cousins, in a league and after they would play cards or they would go to the lounge and sing karaoke. Mack the Knife never sounded so good. We would sometimes go and hang out at the bowling alley and shoot some pool with them, but the cherry on the cake was watching our parents sing duets. Priceless! Cards…The biggest longest game of the year was on New years Eve. Not long after the ball dropped the game began. The adults would play until the sun came up and a little longer! Our Dad, up until his dying day, loved May I with Mom, his sister Anna and cugina Madeline. The laughs the four of them would have is one of their fondest memories. Horseshoes… Dad was the master of this sport. We had yearly family barbeques at Bethpage State Park which consisted of lots of horseshoe tournaments and bocci ball. He excelled at both; he loved the game but love the challenge as well. No matter what, he had sportsmanship which he passed down to us as well.

To our Dad: We are beyond proud of You. We know you fought so hard to stay with us. We are so thankful we had you for so long. Like the card shark you were, you knew when to fold ‘em. We will cherish our many, many memories and honor you every day of our lives. Most of all we will miss your presence terribly.

To my Husband: Dear Ralph, my heart is broken, we have shared so many wonderful years together. We had our ups and downs and with your love we overcame it together. Your love kept my heart beating. We have been blessed with five wonderful children who brought such great joy to our lives. My heart will beat a little slower now, but I know we will be together someday. Until we meet again, my love forever and ever.

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