Joseph F. Mafera (1895-1967) was a longtime Ridgewood resident. He served in the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I. His career in public service began as secretary and later superintendent of the Queens Parks Department from 1925 to 1932. Mafera subsequently served as an alderman from the 59th District, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles in charge of the Queens office, Assistant Commissioner, and then Commissioner of Borough Works. 

Following the death of Borough President Maurice A. Fitzgerald in August 1951, Mafera was appointed interim Queens Borough President. An executive member of the Ridgewood Democratic Club, he also served on the New York City Tax Commission from 1951 to 1961. Mafera died on February 12, 1967.