Augustus “Gus” Baffa, 80, passed away unexpectedly on March 6, 2022. He was born in Brooklyn, NY, on April 20, 1941, to Frank and Jean (Abbene) Baffa. He was a member of the Liberty Baptist Church.
Gus was a proud US Navy veteran who began his service at the young age of seventeen where he served on the USS CASCADE and the USS WILLIS A LEE. After his military service, he became a trucker for New Breed, hauling specialty items, including explosives. From New York, he moved to Florida, beginning his work for the United States Postal Service. Hired as a rural carrier, he began to advocate for his fellow carriers by serving in various Union positions. He served as Florida State Steward and the FLRLCA supported and encouraged his dream of being a National Officer. Elected first as an Executive Committeeman, then as the Director of Labor Relations, and ending his carrier prior to retirement as the President of the National Rural Letter Carriers Association. He has advocated for the NRLCA whether it was testifying before Congress, meeting with individual congressmen/women, or meeting with the Postmaster General. He was always so proud to stand up for what he believed. Gus also served on various committees and served as National PAC Chairman after his retirement.
His job allowed him to travel all over the country and meet many wonderful people including the love of his life, Shirley. Gus took the plunge and moved to Arkansas where they were married in Batesville. Gus loved attending church and being around his loving church family.
He was a kind and loving person. He was full of life, loved to make people laugh, and never met a stranger. Gus was an avid sports fan, which started at a young age when his dad would take him to EBBETS Field to watch the Brooklyn Dodger games. He always had a sports, NASCAR, or Mecum’s car show on the television. Gus loved playing cards, especially Texas Hold’em. But above all, he loved spending time with his family. Gus was a remarkable man, a loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, son, uncle, mentor, and friend whose memory will forever be cherished in the hearts of those that loved him. There was truly never a dull moment with Gus in our lives.
He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley Baffa; two daughters, Sarah Ploehn (Brian) and Ashley Snedker (Todd Nichols); beloved sister, Honey Alessi; brother-in-law, Ellis Tuten (Paulette); sister-in-law, Sharon Goforth; five grandchildren, Abby Maiorini, Richie Maiorini, Hannah Ploehn, Chesney Snedker, Shelbie Snedker; and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends that he loved.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of life will be held on Gus’s birthday, Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at Willis Funeral Service, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
