Obituary for Joseph E Malago
JOSEPH E. MALAGO
DOVER, DELAWARE
Joseph E. Malago, 84 passed away on April 10, 2020.
Born on January 4, 1936 in South Connellsville, PA, he was the fourth of six children to John and Anna Malago. He married, Ruth A. Leone on June 23, 1956. Together they raised six children and remained together until his passing.
He began his long and loyal career with Firestone Tire and Rubber Company in the late 50’s starting out pumping gas then being promoted to District Sales Manager in and around the Western Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh)area and eventually as a salesman in North East Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) and then in 1974, he accepted the position of General Manager for Buchanan Service Firestone on North Governors Ave., Dover.
He retired from Firestone in the early 80’s and started a small business, Malago Tire & Auto Service, South Governors Ave, Dover. Shortly thereafter, his business expanded to a second location in Smyrna, DE.
His proudest memory was that all six of his children as well as some of their spouses were a vital part of the businesses during its long and prosperous run. As proprietor of Malago Tire & Auto Service, he enjoyed connecting with many loyal customers whom he eagerly greeted with, “Hello Friend.”, and a handshake. He was always grateful for their patronage and loyalty. He reluctantly retired in 1992, and sold both locations. Throughout his professional career, he was involved with many local business associations and clubs. He was a long time member of the original Dover Rotary Club(former President), and The Dover Chamber of Commerce (former President). He helped to establish Dover's 4th of July Fireworks Celebration and the Colonial Rotary Club of Dover.
He enjoyed golf, biking, and driving the motorhome for family vacations as well as driving his friends and colleagues to the airport. He was born a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers (the oldest franchise in the AFC), and cheered on his favorite Nascar driver, Dale Earnhardt at Dover Downs!
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ruth Ann (Leone). Five of his six children, Joseph J. Malago, Cherie Butler(David), Rebecca McElroy(Charles), Wendy Needham(Erin), Matthew Malago(Kitty); 5 grandchildren, Jason Malago(Gail), Rocco Malago, Melissa Walls(Joshua), Tarah Malago, and Jane Malago(Kenny); 4 great-grandchildren, Chase Malago, Natalie Malago, Coral Walls and Koa Vadican. Brother, Bernard Malago(Janet). Sister, Irene Bartholomei(Jim); several nieces and nephews, and close friends in Delaware and Florida.
He was predeceased by brothers, John Malago and Eugene Malago; sister, Dorothy Thompson, and daughter, Holly J. Malago.
A private graveside service was held for family members. Due to the recommendations imposed by the CDC and the State of Delaware concerning gatherings,
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at a later date at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Dover. Please feel to share a memory or condolence with the family via the webpage.
In lieu of flowers our family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association-Delaware Valley Chapter, 240 North James St.,Ste.100A, Newport, DE 19804. or Delaware Hospice, delawarehospice.org
“YOU WILL LIVE ON FOREVER IN THE HEARTS OF EVERYONE WHO HAD THE PLEASURE OF KNOWING YOU
Life End Services by Michael J. Ambruso Funeral Director, Inc. Dover.
DOVER, DELAWARE
Joseph E. Malago, 84 passed away on April 10, 2020.
Born on January 4, 1936 in South Connellsville, PA, he was the fourth of six children to John and Anna Malago. He married, Ruth A. Leone on June 23, 1956. Together they raised six children and remained together until his passing.
He began his long and loyal career with Firestone Tire and Rubber Company in the late 50’s starting out pumping gas then being promoted to District Sales Manager in and around the Western Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh)area and eventually as a salesman in North East Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) and then in 1974, he accepted the position of General Manager for Buchanan Service Firestone on North Governors Ave., Dover.
He retired from Firestone in the early 80’s and started a small business, Malago Tire & Auto Service, South Governors Ave, Dover. Shortly thereafter, his business expanded to a second location in Smyrna, DE.
His proudest memory was that all six of his children as well as some of their spouses were a vital part of the businesses during its long and prosperous run. As proprietor of Malago Tire & Auto Service, he enjoyed connecting with many loyal customers whom he eagerly greeted with, “Hello Friend.”, and a handshake. He was always grateful for their patronage and loyalty. He reluctantly retired in 1992, and sold both locations. Throughout his professional career, he was involved with many local business associations and clubs. He was a long time member of the original Dover Rotary Club(former President), and The Dover Chamber of Commerce (former President). He helped to establish Dover's 4th of July Fireworks Celebration and the Colonial Rotary Club of Dover.
He enjoyed golf, biking, and driving the motorhome for family vacations as well as driving his friends and colleagues to the airport. He was born a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers (the oldest franchise in the AFC), and cheered on his favorite Nascar driver, Dale Earnhardt at Dover Downs!
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ruth Ann (Leone). Five of his six children, Joseph J. Malago, Cherie Butler(David), Rebecca McElroy(Charles), Wendy Needham(Erin), Matthew Malago(Kitty); 5 grandchildren, Jason Malago(Gail), Rocco Malago, Melissa Walls(Joshua), Tarah Malago, and Jane Malago(Kenny); 4 great-grandchildren, Chase Malago, Natalie Malago, Coral Walls and Koa Vadican. Brother, Bernard Malago(Janet). Sister, Irene Bartholomei(Jim); several nieces and nephews, and close friends in Delaware and Florida.
He was predeceased by brothers, John Malago and Eugene Malago; sister, Dorothy Thompson, and daughter, Holly J. Malago.
A private graveside service was held for family members. Due to the recommendations imposed by the CDC and the State of Delaware concerning gatherings,
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at a later date at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Dover. Please feel to share a memory or condolence with the family via the webpage.
In lieu of flowers our family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association-Delaware Valley Chapter, 240 North James St.,Ste.100A, Newport, DE 19804. or Delaware Hospice, delawarehospice.org
“YOU WILL LIVE ON FOREVER IN THE HEARTS OF EVERYONE WHO HAD THE PLEASURE OF KNOWING YOU
Life End Services by Michael J. Ambruso Funeral Director, Inc. Dover.