Anthony M. Malaska

1939 - 2021

Anthony M. Malaska, 82, of Coaldale was led into eternal rest Friday.

"Tony" was born May 22, 1939, to Angelo "Bearcat" Malaska and Anna (Malik) Malaska.

Tony graduated in 1957 from Nesquehoning High School.

Tony was married to Martha Ann "Marcy" Machay in 1965 and they enjoyed 47 wonderful years of marriage until Marcy's passing in 2012.

Tony was a star athlete in high school and his early 20s. He was a part of Nesquehoning's medal-winning 400 relay team and set a District 11 record in the long jump, which remained for several years. He played offensive and defensive ends in football, was named to the Anthracite All-Star team, and was offered a scholarship to attend college, yet chose to focus on baseball. He also played guard for the Redskins' basketball team.

Perhaps his greatest skill was on the baseball mound, where he played for the Jim Thorpe American Legion team. Based on his performance, he was signed as a starting pitcher by the Philadelphia Phillies scout Cy Morgan and assigned to the Brunswick Phillies of the Class C Georgia League. Arm problems shortened his baseball career and brought him back to the Anthracite region.

He enlisted and served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1959-61.

He was employed by Dorr-Oliver in the 1970s and began working for Silberline Manufacturing in 1986. Known as "Schmindy" by his fellow co-workers, Tony was a hardworking, beloved member of the production team for over two decades years before his retirement at age 70.

He was inducted into the Carbon County Sports Hall of Fame in 2007.

Surviving are two sons, Anthony A. and his wife, Tracey (Gazo); and Gregory and his wife, Mary Kay (Carroll), both of Jim Thorpe; granddaughters, Leah, Gregory, Maura and Hailey; and a brother, Angelo Jr., husband of Jackie, of Nesquehoning.

He was predeceased by a brother, George.

Tony, also known as "Gus," was a hardworking, loving, funny, selfless man who will be missed by his friends and family as he is reunited with his wife and best friend in Heaven.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday at 10 a.m. in the Shrine of St. Therese Catholic Church, 15 E. Garibaldi Ave., Nesquehoning, with the Rev. Robert George officiating. Military interment will be held in St. Nicholas Cemetery, Hometown. Family will receive friends Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday from 9 to 9:30 a.m. at Joseph S. Blazosky Funeral Home, 81 E. Catawissa St., Nesquehoning.

Joseph S. Blazosky Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.blazoskyfh.com.