John Maltese

MALTESE John Maltese, 87, of Fairfield, the beloved husband of Grace Maltese for over sixty-five years, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, April 16, 2012 with his family by his side. Born in Manhattan to the late Frank and Jennie Maltese, John was a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army of both World War II and the Korean War. He was also a lifetime member of the CT National Guard, Past Commander and member of the American Legion Lt. Owen Fish Memorial Post 143 and member of the VFW Post 9427 both of Fairfield. Prior to his official retirement, he was a Sales Promotion Manager at Joseph E. Seagram's for over twenty five years. He was awarded "Man of the Year" in 1972 at Paul Masson Wines. After his retirement, he worked at the Black Bear Liquor Store in Westport and Turnpike Spirits in Fairfield. John loved to travel the world and was an avid Yankees fan. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his loving family: his daughter, Norma Jean Maltese and her husband, Jim of Fairfield; two sons, Frank J. Maltese and his wife, Carmela of Easton and John Maltese, Jr. and his wife, Diane of Mt. Laurel, NJ; six grandchildren, James Sayball of Fairfield, Dr. Michele Sayball and her husband, Jeremy of Brattleboro, VT, Mathew Sayball of Wrightsville Beach, NC, Michael Maltese of Stratford, Dana Maltese of Easton and John C. Maltese of upstate New York; and, two cherished great grandchildren, Ezekiel and Zion. Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 10 a.m. directly at St. Pius X Church in Fairfield. Interment to follow in Lawncroft Cemetery with military honors. Friends may greet his family on Friday, April 20, 2012 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Shaughnessey Banks Funeral Home, 50 Reef Road in Fairfield Center. Donations may be made in his memory to The Thomas Merton Center, 43 Madison Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604. To send an online condolence, please visit www.shaughnesseybanks.com.