Keith Gordon Mallett

Keith Gordon Mallett, age 90, passed away at home on November 29th after a battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was surrounded by his loving family during his transition. He was known as 'Gordon' to family and local friends. 'Keith' to his work, military, and summer home friends. Gordon was born to Ruth C. (Moore) and G. Herbert Mallett on January 1, 1934. He the 1st baby born in Albany, NY that year! He lived with his parents and siblings in Rensselaer, NY for several years before they moved to Rutherford, NJ.
In 1951, Gordy graduated from Rutherford High School as Senior Class President, lettering in Football and Baseball. He earned a football scholarship to the University of Delaware and attended for a year before joining the US Army, where he played for the Army baseball team ('53-'55).In September 1952, he married Janice Claire Redmond (RHS '52). They celebrated 72 years of marriage just 2 months ago! Throughout his illness journey, Janice was Gordy's primary caregiver, allowing him to remain at home. It was a pure act of love.
He began his career at Western Electric (ATT) Kearny Works in 1952, resuming full-time after his Army service ended. He retired from Lucent/ATT in the early 1990s after an almost 40-year career.Gordon used his GI Bill to earn his bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (1963) and master's in Business Administration (1974) from Fairleigh Dickinson University. During those years, he and Janice raised 4 daughters and he played semi-pro baseball too! Always a people person, over the years Gordon was involved in many community and volunteer organizations in Rutherford; Rutherford Recreation Commission, Rutherford Community Chest, Youth Guidance Council, Rutherford Planning Board, President & Coach Rutherford Junior Football, Coach of Bi-County Softball and Girls' Recreation Softball. He was also instrumental in creating the Tamblyn Field House.Gordon and Janice have been active members of Grace Episcopal Church Rutherford for many years, forming numerous friendships in their church community. Along the way he served as Warden and Vestry member. Gordy loved spending extended time with his family at the summer home he had built in North Hero, VT on Lake Champlain. At "the lake" he enjoyed sailing/boating, home projects, golfing, working the land, and spending time with his many neighbors and friends. Lake Champlain has been an iconic place to the Mallett family for over 4 generations. Gordy's sense of humor, genial nature, and love of 40's/Big Band music never wavered throughout his journey. He led by example and a life well lived, which is exactly as he intended. We love you Papa!
Gordy was predeceased by his parents – Ruth Charlotte, 1994, and G. Herbert Mallett, 1999. A brother – Gerard (Gerry) Mallett, 2011. RHS '51
Sister/brother-in-law – Sherrill M. (James) Carbonetti, 2019 and 2012 respectively. (both RHS '48) Daughter – Cathleen C. Mallett, 2023 (RHS '83)
Gordy is survived and loved by his Wife – Janice Claire (Redmond) (RHS '52)
Daughters: Pamela A. Mallett (RHS '71) and partner David Wright of San Mateo and Kenwood, CA, Patricia Mallett Knight (RHS '73), Cindy Mallett Feuss of Glen Rock, NJ (RHS '79)
Sister/brother-in-law – Beverly Mallett (David) Waldron (both RHS '54 Sister-in-Law – Lorraine (Gerry, dec.) Mallett
His Grandchildren: Garrett F. Knight and wife Lee Ann of Highlands Ranch, CO
Conner M. Knight and fiancée Sarah Landis of Lynchburg, VA
Taylor R. Feuss of Glen Rock, NJ
Henry M. Feuss of Sacramento, CA
Ellen F. Feuss of Sacramento, CA
Great Granddaughter - Atticus J. Knight of Highlands Ranch. CO
Special Niece – Dale Mallett of North Hero, VT (RHS '79)
Special grandnephew – Kyle M. Trebour (Cynthia) of Charleson, SC
And many loving in-laws, nieces, and nephews from the extended Carbonetti, Mallett, Scelfo, and Waldron families on both coasts
Gordon's family is grateful and appreciative to the VHS Hospice Team for their guidance, support, and superlative compassion in the final part of his journey.
Visitation will be on Sunday, Dec. 8th from 4-7 pm, at Calhoun-Mania Funeral Home, Rutherford, NJ
All are invited to assemble Monday, Dec. 9th at Grace Episcopal Church, at 10:45 am 128 W Passaic Ave. Rutherford, NJ for 11:00 am services.
Private cremation to follow.
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the following: The Lake Champlain Land Trust (www.lclt.org) - Grace Episcopal Church Rutherford (www.gracechurchrutherford.org)