Dennis John Maffei peacefully passed away on Friday, February 9, 2024 surrounded by Deanna, his wife of 56 years and their three daughters Dana, Jennifer and Michele. His beloved seven grandchildren and three son-in-laws affectionately called him “Pop-Pop.” Dennis was known for always being “in the moment” and as the “life of the party.” In the final weeks of his fight with Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease, Dennis still brought joy and laughter to his family, friends, neighbors and caregivers. His infectious smile and sweet one-liners kept us smiling and laughing even during the difficult times.
Dennis grew up in Mt. Lebanon, PA where he met his high school sweetheart, Deanna. Dennis designed and built their home in McMurray, PA where they would raise their three daughters and reside until 2020 when they relocated to Raleigh, NC. Their home was filled with great memories of holidays and celebrations with family and friends. Dennis used his entrepreneurial spirit to start Pine Ridge Landscaping Company and expanded his business over the years to include home remodeling, hardscape and patio design, fence services and installation, and snow removal services. Dennis always wanted a convenient place to grab milk and bread so in his “retirement”, he opened and operated a mini-market less than a mile from their home.
Dennis was the quintessential outdoorsman who loved nature and would marvel in the stillness of the trees while he quietly scouted for the next whitetail deer to packing his tackle box and taking his daughters to Peters Lake to catch some fish. He created an oasis around his pool in the backyard that he loved to enjoy with friends and family.
Dennis loved music. He was the lead singer in a band, The Encores. He performed at class reunions and his daughter’s weddings and was the first one to suggest Karaoke for a night out. Even in his final moments, Dennis was surrounded by music and angelic hymns sung by the wonderful volunteers at Transitions Hospice home.
Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, Leo H. Maffei and Anna Mae Maffei (Burish).
He is survived by his loving wife, Deanna Mary Maffei (Sarkis); his 3 daughters, Dana Lamolinara (Gary), Jennifer Sawant (Michael) and Michele Lagerstedt (Jakob); his grandchildren, Emmalee, Ean and Ellexa Lamolinara, Luke and Tanner Sawant, Nova and Brooks Lagerstedt; his brother, Richard Maffei; his niece, Lisa (Skaris); his nephew, David Maffei.
We would like to thank Dennis’ caregivers for the exceptional care and thank every nurse, aide, doctor and volunteer at hospice who provided comfort and compassion to Dennis and his family.
A Funeral Service was held in the Chapel of Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, February 15, 2024, you may view the service through this link, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_soQO5KwBEQ , or below under 'Funeral Service 'View Video'.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Lewy Body Dementia Associate or Transitions LifeCare, the links can be found below under 'Donations'
If you would like to leave a favorite memory / story of Dennis, or a message of condolence for his family, you may do so below, within 'Add a Memory'.
SHARE OBITUARYSHARE
v.1.16.3