Obituary of Leo J. Maffei

Leo J. Maffei, 91, of New Britain and Plainville, CT, devoted husband of Margaret (Peggy) Madden for 64 years, died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, October 17, 2010 at New Britain General Hospital after a brief illness. He was born on January 3, 1919 in Bridgeport, CT to Victor and Anna (Francesconi) Maffei. Leo was a graduate of New Britain High School and the Vesper George School of Art in Boston, graduating with distinction. He served in the Army in World War II from 1941 to 1945, with most of his service in New Guinea as an anti-aircraft artillery battery leader. He was honorably discharged in 1945, having risen to the rank of Staff Sergeant. Leo was recognized as gifted artist, putting his talents to use as an Industrial Designer for Emhart Corporation. Inspired by the creative work of Raymond Loewy, renowned designer of the Coca-Cola bottle, Leo conceived sleek new designs. Several of his designs were later adopted for use on the White House during the Kennedy administration. Leo was active in politics and was elected to the City Council for two terms. He combined civic service with his artistic talent, designing projects for the benefit of New Britain residents, including the permanent USS Thresher memorial at the Wassil Reservoir, the eagle veterans memorial in Fairview Cemetery, and the permanent seating array at the Walnut Hill band shell. Leo was a man of many talents, and he loved to sing in St. Ann's choir. He was known for decades as the man who conceived and directed shows at Northend School, then went on to perform in the annual Passion Play presentations at St. Ann's. Leo was also an avid Red Sox fan, and was overjoyed when they won the World Series in 2005. Leo is survived by his loving wife, Peggy - their marriage was a quintessential love story that brought inspiration to those who cared for them at the Apple Rehab Center where they shared a room called 'home'. He is also survived his daughter, Carol Smith of New Britain, his son and daughter-in-law, Don and Jeanne Massey of Simsbury, and their two daughters, Caitlin of New Orleans, and Erin of Simsbury, his sister Lena of Hilton Head, SC, his brother-in-law Edward Madden and his wife Nancy of Plantsville, and twelve nieces and nephews around the country. Funeral services will be private, with entombment in St. Mary Cemetery Garden Mausoleum.