Obituary William “Bill” Maraffio
January 22nd, 1944 - October 24th, 2023
William “Bill” Robert Maraffio, 79, of Idaho Falls, passed away October 24, 2023, at his home. He was under the care of hospice.
Bill was born January 22, 1944, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Victor Maraffio and Lenore Blakeley Maraffio. He graduated from Idaho Falls High School in 1962. He received his Masters of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Idaho in 1972.
Bill honorably served in the US Air Force. He received the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, The National Defense Service Medal, and The Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. He was a Tactical Missile Guided Mechanic in Ridgecrest, California, for 30 years.
Bill married the love of his life, Jean Hardy Northrup, on June 28, 2008, in St. George, Utah. They originally met in high school study hall and parted ways after graduation. After 46 years, they were finally reunited, never to be apart again. Upon marrying Jean, Bill instantly became a beloved father and grandfather to a very large family. They made their home in Idaho Falls, Idaho.
Bill was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served faithfully in his ward as a clerk and was honored to serve as an ordinance worker in the Idaho Falls Temple for 12 years where he made many friends that became his “temple family.”
Bill had a photographic memory. He could remember numbers and formulas for years. He had a love of Ham radio and became a certified operator. He had many radios and towers that he designed and built himself. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge with others by helping them see his vision and excitement of the Ham radio world.
He was brilliant in all that he did and could fix any problem he came across. He was willing to help anyone in need. His family and friends called him a “Gentle Giant” and was given the motto, “THAT’S WHAT I DO, I FIX STUFF, AND I KNOW THINGS!”
Bill will be missed by many and will be remembered for his kindness and love for all around him.
Bill is survived by his wife, Jean Maraffio of Idaho Falls; brother, Steven Jay Maraffio of Oswego, IL; children by marriage: Bob Northrup (Julie) of South Jordan, UT, Lonny Northrup (Tammy) of Lindon, UT, Kami Floyd (Tim) of St George, UT, Karron Jackson (Jim) of Spanish Fork, UT, Robert Matt (Nina) of Payson, UT, Derrick Northrup (Margo) of Chubbuck, ID; Karamie Martineau (Neil) of Woods Cross, UT; 44 grandchildren and 49 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Lenore Maraffio; a brother, Ronald Maraffio; as well as a son, Scott Northrup (Liz) of Uba City, CA.
Services will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at the Ammon 3rd Ward, 2150 Avocet Avenue, with Bishop Darren Davis officiating. A visitation for family and friends will be held Friday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road, in Ammon, Idaho. Military Honors will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team and the Idaho Air Force Honor Guard. Burial will be in the Oakley Cemetery in Oakley, Idaho.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.com.
