John (Jack) Russell Maffitt

March 4, 1924 – January 18, 2021

Shelburne, VT

John (Jack) Russell Maffitt, died very peacefully, literally in the arms of his son Tom, on January 18 in the Meadows, memory wing of The Residence of Shelburne Bay, in Shelburne VT.

Jack was born March 4, 1924, in South Bend, IN, the eldest child of Russell & Lillian (Nelson) Maffitt. Jack attended Central High School in South Bend, graduating in 1942.

After high school, Jack enjoyed working as a Tool and Die Designer.  His favorite project was working on an aircraft carburetor for Bendix.

Jack was drafted into the Army in 1945, serving in the Counter Intelligence Corps (aka CIC) in Japan then Korea—rising to the rank of Sergeant.  He was in basic training when WWII ended, so he didn’t serve for long.  When telling his family about his time served, he remembered the ocean voyages:  He loved standing in the bow of the ship and watching everything.

In 1962, Jack started working as a letter carrier for the US Postal Service.  He enjoyed being a mailman and made a point of checking in on people on his route who were alone or needed help.  He didn’t mind the snow, rain, heat, or gloom of night.  He said the weather made the job interesting.

On April 16, 1955, in South Bend, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth (Betty) Frey. He is survived by his two sons, Tom (Peg) Maffitt of Burlington, and David (Judy) Maffitt of St. Louis; grandchildren, Zoe and Kevin Maffitt of St. Louis; sister-in-law Mary Ann Butts of South Bend, step-granddaughter Kelli (Chris) Ford, and their children Kate and Liam of South Burlington and  is predeceased by Betty—his loving and devoted wife of 56 years.

He loved family gatherings, hiking, gardening, baseball (Go Cubs!), checkers, bowling, exercising, golf, fishing, science, and investing.

Jack was a very loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to everyone. He was a kind, gentle, caring, generous, and hard-working man.  Jack often said that he didn’t feel his age and was always up for any adventure.

The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to the loving and caring staff of the “meadows”, which was is trusted home since Betty death.  We also extend a special thank you to Patty Wood, who was always there with open arms when Jack needed her. Patty and Jack’s fun road trips and their friendship for over ten years was a true gift to Jack and our family.

During this time of Covid, we will not be having public mass or gathering. However, a prayer, a thought, or a smile thinking of Jack, the gentle loving man, would help us send him forth.  We are sure his Betty is waiting for him in heaven, with open arms.

In lieu of flowers, gifts of sympathy on behalf of Jack may be made to: UVM Home Health and Hospice: www.uvmhomehealth.org  or mailed to this address: 1110 Prim Road Colchester VT 05445.

01/23/2021 JFC