Gennaro J. Maffia, (Jerry) Ph.D.

Gennaro J. Maffia (Jerry), Ph.D., of Newtown Square, PA, a distinguished figure in the field of chemical engineering and an inspiring educator, passed away on December 21, 2024, at the age of 74. 

Born on November 23, 1950, in Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of the late Gennaro and Lillian (née Aldridge) Maffia. 

Dr. Maffia, earned a B.S. and M.S. in Chemical Engineering from Manhattan College (now Manhattan University), Riverdale, NY, and an M.B.A. in Economics from New York University. He went on to receive his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH. While at Dartmouth, he developed a method to produce cross-linked collagen matrices.

As an accomplished Process Engineer, Dr. Maffia worked at Lummus Technology in Bloomfield, NJ, where he designed and started up various petrochemical plants, both domestically and internationally. His expertise continued to flourish during his tenure as a Senior Process Engineer at ARCO Chemical Co. and previously with Air Products in Allentown, PA, where he played a crucial role in similar ventures. 

 An esteemed professor, Dr. Maffia shared his knowledge and passion for chemical engineering teaching at both Widener University and Manhattan College. He also served as an adjunct professor at Delaware County Community College and Drexel University. His commitment extended beyond the classroom; he taught chemical engineering courses in locations around the world, including Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, Mexico, Colombia, and Singapore, and also reached students through webinars across the United States.

The halls of academia were not merely a platform for Dr. Maffia; they were an extension of his values. He dedicated his life to mentoring, believing it was imperative to prepare the next generation of engineers to face global challenges with ingenuity and resilience. His touch cascaded through generations, with his research into environmental and biomedical technologies focusing on sustainable solutions, including the use of cross-linked collagen nanofibrils and eco-friendly energy sources. His goal was to pioneer new and better technologies that would improve the health and sustainability of people around the world.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Jerry was a loving husband and father who cherished spending time with his family. He found joy in his interests, which included Star Trek and other sci-fi, Irish music, and tinkering on home projects. He had a great love for the outdoors and the natural world, which brought a well-rounded and balanced perspective to his life and work.

Dr. Maffia’s legacy will be remembered in the hearts of many as a brilliant engineer, a passionate mentor, and a devoted family man. His contributions to the field of chemical engineering and his unwavering commitment to education will continue to inspire future generations.

Jerry was the beloved husband of Nancy (née Lee) Maffia and the loving father of Margaret (Maggy) E. Maffia, Katharine (Raven) E. Maffia, and Timothy (Tim) T. Maffia. He is also survived by his dear sister, Victoria Fischer.

 Relatives and friends are invited to his Graveside Service on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at 12:00 PM at SS Peter & Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA.