Peter Madafferi pictured here with his wife and children at Dandenong South’s Italo-Australian Social Club on the night Italy played Australia in the soccer World Cup this year.By Marc McGowan
CARRUM United Soccer Club is in mourning after the sudden death of club president Peter Madafferi after a family outing at an Oakleigh restaurant on 5 November.
Mr Madafferi was 44 years old and leaves behind his wife, Karyn, and two children, Anthony, nine, and Jaiden, seven.
Club member and personal friend Chris Attard was shattered on hearing the news.
“It’s a sad loss for everyone that knew him,” Mr Attard said. “He had time for everybody. It didn’t matter what time of the day it was.”
It is believed Mr Madafferi was feeling unwell on leaving the restaurant and he died soon after from a blood clot-related problem.
Mr Madafferi’s funeral was held at St Peter’s Church in Clayton on Friday, with an estimated attendance of 500 people. A cavalcade of Harley Davidsons followed the hearse, highlighting Mr Madaferri’s association with the Dandenong Harley Owners’ Group.
Colin Nicholson, who has known Mr Madafferi for three years through his role as Baxter Soccer Club president and as a member of the Bayside Liaison Committee, is still coming to terms with the loss.
“It’s absolutely devastating. He was certainly one of the good guys of soccer,” Mr Nicholson said. “He had a fantastic sense of humour. He’ll certainly be missed.”
Mr Madafferi was a staunch supporter of the Italian soccer team and would have taken great joy in Italy’s victory in this year’s World Cup.
He took in the World Cup action at the Italo-Australia Social Club in Dandenong South, and social club president Guy Del Vecchio has fond memories of Mr Madafferi.
“It is terrible that he left a few young children behind and a lovely wife,” Mr Del Vecchio said. “I’m a bit shocked, actually. He is a bit too young and he will be missed.”
Mr Madafferi owned Precision Freighters, had been the president at Carrum United for the past two years and had been re-elected for next year.
“He definitely made an impression,” Mr Attard said. “He had the ability to relate to people and he made a big contribution in a short space of time.”
Mr Attard said he was unsure of whether the club would be holding any sort of a commemoration for Mr Madafferi, but he was putting together an album of photographs.
Former Carrum United coach and current committee member John Simek reflected on the loss.
“He was a loyal friend and he was well-liked and well-respected,” he said. “He certainly made a big impact.”
