Joseph F. Malta

Joseph F. Malta

AGE: 93 • Jackson

Joseph (Joe) Francis Malta of Jackson, NJ passed away on January 12, 2016 at the age of 93. He was the beloved husband of Maria for nearly 60 years and devoted father to four daughters: Catherine (Aldo), Josephine (Dan), Loretta (Dennis) and Maria (Steve); grandfather to three grandchildren: Vittorio, Francesca and Daniel. He is also survived by his brother, Dr. Frank Malta of Manchester, NJ. Joe was raised in Asbury Park, NJ, the second oldest of five children, born to Italian immigrants, Vito and Catherine Malta. He attended Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Elementary School and served as an altar boy at its church, instilling in him a strong religious faith that he sustained throughout his life. He attended Asbury Park High School, where he developed a talent for football. He attended the University of Idaho on a scholarship, where he played under Coach Francis Schmidt in the prestigious PAC 10 conference with USC, Stanford, UCLA, Oregon and others. "Jumping Joe" was a featured college football player in local and national media and upon graduation, Joe received offers to play professional football from the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Philadelphia Eagles. He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Joe was very patriotic and interrupted his education to volunteer for military service in WWII. He served in the Army 88th Infantry Division ("the Blue Devils") stationed in Italy from 1943 to 1945. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion. After the war, Joe completed college and earned his degree in education. His 30-year career as an educator included teaching in Long Branch and Jackson Township schools and served as a principal in Howell. After retiring, he continued to teach as a substitute throughout Ocean County. Joe was fluent in several languages including Italian, French, German and Spanish. He was very instrumental in developing athletic and other programs for youth, especially in Ocean County. He was a favorite of his students, many of whom continued to remember his dedication long after he retired.

A viewing will be held on Friday, January 15 from 5 - 7 pm at Buckley Funeral Home, 509 Second Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, 1201 Asbury Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ at 10 am. Interment will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of the donor's choice. Condolences to the family may be expressed at: www.Buckleyfuneralhome.net.