Gilbert Maffeo Jr.

Mashpee, Mass. — Gilbert Joseph “Gil” Maffeo Jr. of Mashpee, Mass., formerly of Niantic and Simsbury, passed away April 14, 2021, at Cambridge Hospital due to complications from a stroke.

Born Dec. 16, 1947, in Pittsburgh Pa., he is predeceased by his parents, Gilbert and Mary Maffeo; and the love of his life, Connie Maffeo.

Gil grew up in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh, rooting for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers. Gil graduated in 1965 from Central Catholic High School. That year he began his “college career,” as he would say, at Duquesne University, meeting Connie. In 1969, Gil and Connie graduated, were married and Gil continued his education at Bowling Green University (Ohio), receiving his master’s degree and doctorate. After graduate school, Gil and Connie moved to Michigan, where Gil became a tenured professor at Central Michigan University and a devoted father to Sharon and Gil. A few years later, the family moved to Simsbury.

During his time in Connecticut, Gil taught at the University of Hartford, Saint Joseph’s College, Westfield State University, University of New Haven, Southern Connecticut State University, the Hartford Graduate Center, Rensselaer Poly Tech Institute, Massachusetts Maritime Academy and Mitchell College where he retired as the vice president.

A proud college professor for almost 50 years, always teaching, working in business and the health care industries. Gil was immersed in his family. Gil loved boating and the water, spending summer days on Highland Lake, Congamond Lake and the “B Dock” at Brewers in Mystic. Gil was also an avid skier, hitting the slopes of Blandford Ski Club and Mount Snow, always making family time, the best time.

Gil was always a fixture on the sidelines of his children’s sporting events and activities. He was a largerthan-life personality; he was always making friends, enjoyed telling stories and mentoring. Gil truly enjoyed coaching for the Simsbury Little League and was one of the loudest cheerleaders for Simsbury Crew. By far Gil’s kids were his biggest accomplishment.

Gil leaves behind his daughter Sharon (Joe); son Gil (Lisa); and four grandchildren he loved more than anything: Joey and Jenny Russas and Elizabeth and Charlie Maffeo; a sister, Judy Stahl (Larry); and brothers-in-law, Bill Dell’Accio (Elizabeth) and Dennis Dell’Accio (Janet); his nephews and many friends. After retiring to Cape Cod, Gil met a beautiful companion, Jean Babcock. They enjoyed golfing, traveling and many special family events. Jean became a very special part of his life and our families.

Education was very important to Gil, so in lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory Gil Maffeo at Simsbury Scholarship Fund, Attn. Guidance Office, 34 Farms Village Road, Simsbury, CT 06070. Due to COVID restrictions, there will be no calling hours, and burial will be private.

Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. To view services for Gilbert Maffeo Jr. please join Zoom meeting at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 21, 2021, https://us02web. zoom.us/j/81936046099?pwd=TS80Zmw2YVZHM2JQZncvNzBZQWcxZz09 — Meeting ID: 819 3604 6099 — Passcode: 933484.