Albert Malanca Jr.

Albert R. MALANCA, Jr. (Tacoma's Son) Albert R. Malanca, Jr., loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend died peacefully January 19, 2005 while in St. Joseph Hospital at age 77. Survived by wife Glenna Malanca, daughters Gina Malanca and Chaise Hodder, granddaughter Zoe Naomi Hodder, son Warren Malanca, stepchildren Donald (Bradley) House, Ronald House and Leigh Dean Philley, son-in-law Andy Philley and grandson Jackson Philley, sister Edith Burns and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by wife Jeanine Malanca, son Randy Malanca and brother Frank Malanca. Interment will be at Haven of Rest in Gig Harbor, Washington at 11:00 a.m. Services will be held at Mason United Methodist Church, 2710 No. Mason Street, Tacoma, Washington (253) 759-3539 at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, January 24, 2005. Reception to follow. "Al" to his many friends and associates was a highly acclaimed student athlete at Lincoln High School and proceeded on to a successful and prestigious law practice of over 50 years with Tacoma's Gordon, Thomas, Honeywell, Malanca, Peterson & Daheim. As president of the Lincoln High School student body of 1945 and valedictorian, Al maintained the highest three-year scholastic average, lettered in three sports, starred in football and baseball and received the coveted Richard Graff Memorial Award at Lincoln's 31st Annual Commencement Services. To the delight of the audience, Al's mother, Caroline received a standing ovation when she accepted the honor in his behalf, as Al was home with the mumps. Al's most memorable athletic endeavor and one of Tacoma's most famous football games occurred on Thanksgiving Day 1944, before 15,000 screaming fans at Stadium Bowl, between Lincoln, coached by Phil Sarboe and Stadium coached by John Henrick. Both teams were undefeated and rated 1-2 in City league. With Al at quarterback, Lincoln went on to win the game and also the mythical state championship. The lone touchdown came on a halfback option play from Malanca who pitched to Dean Mellor who threw to Len Kalapus for the only touchdown allowed by Stadium all season. Al was born to Caroline and Albert Malanca on April 25, 1927 and spent his whole lift in the Tacoma area. He attended the College of Puget Sound and Washington State College on scholarships. He held a Bachelor of Science degree in Law and a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Washington. His private law practice began in association with Bill Goodwin, Don Eastvold and Floyd Hicks. In 1966 that partnership merged with the current firm of Gordon, Thomas, Honeywell, Malanca, Peterson & Daheim, LLP. Al gave of himself wholeheartedly to this community and was a founding member of the Boys Club Council of Pierce County. He coached several years with Cheney Studs little league football team and even tried his hand at politics, running for State Representative for the 27tyh District. Al was very proud to be a Tacoma native and all who passed his way were touched in a very special way by his openly warm and friendly nature regardless of their walk of life. As an avid sportsman he enjoying hunting and fishing, and supporting all of the local and college and professional teams. Al obtained his marine charter boat license and assisted his father-in-law, Ernie O'Hallaren at Ernie's Charters at Westport, Washington in the late Fifties-early sixties. His love for sailing and fishing prompted him to buy several boats, including the Chaiser and the Glenna M; he could be seen in later life frequenting Commencement Bay atop his flying bridge never without his trademark cigar and his loving wife, Glenna, beside him. Al had a long and distinguished legal career. For more than five decades, he earned the respect of judges and lawyers across the country. Al began his law practice in the personal injury and insurance defense fields, and later focused on complex antitrust, securities, and environmental litigation. He was a member of the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers and for years he served as a delegate to the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference. He was also one of the founders of the Federal Bar Association for the Western District of Washington. He was selected in the "Best Lawyers in America" publication each year since 1987. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Gig Harbor Firefighters Association,. 10222 Bujacich Road NW, Gig Harbor, Washington 98332.