MELROSE — Jerry Maffeo, 85, of Melrose, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2021. He was born in Boston, a son of the late Nicola and Maria (Guarino) Maffeo.
He was a legend in the restaurant and nightclub industry where he ran some of the best venues in Boston. He called himself the official “hand shaker of Boston” and was known as the “Unofficial Mayor of the North End.” His greatest joy was found in playing cards in the North End with his lifelong friends, spending time laughing and eating with his family, watching the birds and chipmunks, dancing, and enjoying his favorite foods.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Sara Donovan Maffeo; his loving daughters Nicole Russo and her husband, Joseph “Jay”, of West Roxbury and Christina Maffeo of Melrose. His brother, Anthony Maffeo, and his wife, Mindy, of Chicago, IL; his sisters Rosemary “Chickie” Brown of Irving, TX; Elena Flynn of West Roxbury; Rita Guarino and her husband, Aldo, of Naples, FL. and Maria Ryan and her husband, William, of Westwood. His two adored granddaughters, Sophia and Isabelle Russo and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers in law Frank Flynn and Buddy Brown.
Funeral services will be Saturday, September 18, at 10 a.m. at St. Leonard Church, 320 Hanover St., Boston, followed by burial in West Wyoming Cemetery, 205 Sylvan St., Melrose. The funeral procession will form on Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. at J.S. Waterman-Langone Chapel, 580 Commercial St., Boston, MA 02109. Anyone wishing to follow the procession to church should arrive at that time.
Visiting hours at the funeral home, are Friday, September 17 from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., complementary valet parking will be available in front of the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Italian Home for Children, 1125 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130. For more information, to view Jerry’s Everlasting Memorial Video Tribute or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.watermanboston.com.
