Mr. Joseph J. "Joe" Maline

Mr. Joseph J. "Joe" Maline, age 87, passed away with dignity on Thursday, April 18, 2013 at the Siegenthaler Center with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on October 1, 1925, Joseph was the son of the late Thomas and Damiana (Rice) Maline. He was raised and educated locally. A member of the Greatest Generation and a proud veteran of World War II, Joe enlisted in the United States Army at a young age. He honorably served in the 101st Airborne Division with the Battered Bastards of Bastogne who fought on the front lines in the Battle of the Bulge. On May 5, 1946 he wed the former Lillian A. Hanna with whom he shared 56 years prior to her passing on February 23, 2003. Joe and Lilly were blessed with a loving marriage that centered on their children and their families. Joe worked as a laborer in the construction industry with many local businesses until his retirement in 1976 and was a member of the International Laborers Union, Local 35. He was engaging, humorous and loved to be around his family and friends. He had a natural green thumb and applied it as an exact science. His tomatoes grew to grapefruit size and he shared the bounty of his garden. He was also a great wine maker and enjoyed its benefits. A polite man, he would never say no to a beer offered by a friend. He was simply an "above average Joe". Over the years, he had been a member of the New York Mills VFW #7393, and the American Legion Whitestown Post #1113. Joseph is survived by his son, Joseph P. "Joe" Maline of Buffalo; his daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen "Kathy" Maline and husband Daniel Bielicki of Deerfield; his grandchildren, Matthew and Jill Maline of Gasport, NY, and Jared and Debbie Maline of Alexandria, VA; their mother, Susan W. Maline; and his great-granddaughter, Sabrina Maline. He also leaves behind his sister, Mary Giancotti of Utica; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews, and friends including the folks at Schuyler Commons, especially Tom Lewis and the Coffee Club whose friendship was a sweet surprise, and his lifelong friend, John Rondinelli. He was predeceased by his sisters, Angeline, Anna, and Rosie; his brothers, Dominick, Tom, Mike, Tony, Frank, and John, and their spouses; and his in-laws, Fred and Agnes Karam. The family is grateful to Dr. Booth and staff who have always been there to help navigate a sometimes rocky road; the personnel of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. and the Siegenthaler Center who guided "us" through the last leg of the journey with kindness, grace, and dignity. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Joseph's funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday morning at 10:00 at St. Louis Gonzaga Church. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. Those wishing to express an act of kindness may make a donation to the Siegenthaler Center or Hospice & Palliative Care; envelopes will be available at the service. Committal prayers and entombment with Military Honors will take place in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Mr. Joseph J. "Joe" Maline

October 1, 1925 - April 18, 2013