Giuseppe Maffei

      Guiseppe Maffei “Peppi” sadly passed away on March 2, 2025, at the age of 88. Loving husband of Consiglia “Connie” (nee Tagliaferro) for 66 years. Beloved father of Wiliam Maffei {Diane}, Rosalie Creelman {Edward},Michael Maffei {Juliana} . Devoted “Pop-Pop” of: Conni Schmid (Jeff), William Anthony “Tony” Maffei, Vincent DeCarles, Amanda Creelman, and Joseph, John and Gabrella T. Maffei and Great “Pop-Pop” of Ethan Maffei and Lucia DeCarles. Devoted brother of Giovanni {The late Adaline}, Vincenzo {Lucile}, Anthony {Virginia}, Ozwald “Ozzy” Maffei {Cindy}, Philomena Russo {Late George}, Donata Ford and Yolanda Bendinelli {William} and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Predeceased by his parents Guglielmo and Rosalinda (nee Vitiello) Maffei.

      Peppi passed away on March 2 nd 2025 at the age of 88 at 5:10am. He was surrounded by his 3 children and beloved wife Consigilia. Born in Naples Italy, he was the oldest of 8 children. He was devoted to his family, as they suffered through World War II, and would do whatever he could to help provide for them after the war. In 1956 he and his family won the opportunity to come to the United States.  Like most immigrants he was very excited and filled with optimism of a new life in the land of opportunity.  He first arrived in Philadelphia at St Donata’s Church in SW Philly. There, he would meet his wonderful wife of 66 years, Consiglia (Connie).  Not having much of a formal education, he set out to make it in his new country. He would find work were ever he could.  Always having his family in mind, he would hand over his pay to help support his brothers and sisters. He started working as a laborer and eventually as a bricklayer for Con Edis. during the day. But, it would be his night job in a pizza shop, where he would learn the skill that changed his life. In 1969, he and Connie opened Peppino’s Pizzeria in the Olney section of Philadelphia. Along with being a business owner, he was a true patriot who loved his country and community.  Outside of the religious holidays, his favorite holiday was July 4th. He participated in every neighborhood parade to celebrate the freedom and opportunities of his new home. He was once quoted as saying: “Taxes, I’ll pay any taxes. This is the greatest country in the world! Who cares about taxes?“ He would later laugh, and cry, about that statement.

       Always willing to help the community, he participated in countless fundraisers for the athletic leagues, the ambulance company, churches and schools. He ran 48 to 72 hour “Pizzathon’s” to raise money for the disabled and flew to Disney just to buy a 7ft Mickey Mouse to auction for Children's Hospital. He would think nothing of auctioning off mini-bikes to raise money for the Olney Eagles or sending  50 pizzas to the CYO for the basketball game. He supported the police and first responders by staying open during snow storms to feed them, in gratitude for their service. It was his great honor to welcome Pope John Paul II to Philadelphia, by placing a 50 foot sign spanning two lanes of traffic, high across 5th street.
 
      Never forgetting where he came from, in 1980 he gathered the business owners on 5th Street to donate anything they could to help the earthquake victims in Italy. He and his son Will would later distribute almost 2 full shipping containers of clothes, blankets, food and water, to the people of his hometown and surrounding areas. His charitable and welcoming nature was not just for the community, he treated his employees the same. He welcomed them to his home for celebrations and holiday gatherings, on days off to swim and eat. Thanks to his loving wife, the  celebration tables were legendary! He had great appreciation for the support of his community that made his American dream come true. As his business career wound down, Peppi found great joy in spending time with his family and was most proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He did with them a lot of the things that he couldn’t do with his own children. He spent time teaching them to paint bird houses, to color and of course, teaching them to make pizza. He loved to garden and turned all of his flower beds into bumper crops,  (which he would share with the HOA board to keep them quiet.)
      Peppi was a consummate showman, always having a lighthearted story to tell of past adventures and to make people feel welcome. He would fill a room with his presence and a smile. Leading with his heart, he made you feel like you were the most important person and he was there for you. Giuseppe will be forever known for his hard work, charity, charm and excellence. His family will always remember him for his strong voice calling out to his gracious wife of 66 years. “Conzeee”, he would bellow, as if always beckoning her to their next adventure together.
Rest in peace our beloved one and may perpetual light shine upon you.

Relatives and friends are invited to Peppi’s viewing and mass of Christian burial. Monday, March 10, 2025 at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, 605 Street Road, Warminster, PA. 18974. His family will receive guests from 9:30am to 10:45, Funeral mass 11:00am. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Bensalem, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Peppi’s memory to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105-3678 would be appreciated by his family. www.stjude.org

Funeral Arrangements Entrusted to Dominic J. Bernaudo F. D.
215-776-1394
 

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