Albert J. Malatesta

MALATESTA, Albert J., 85, of Cape Coral, Fla., formerly of New Jersey, passed peacefully October 15, 2007. He was born May 21, 1922, in Vineland, N.J. son of the late John F. and Angelina (Meschi) Malatesta. He was a World War II veteran and proudly served his country for six years abroad. Upon his return, he married Anna Wozunk who remained his bride for 61 years. He was a member of St. Andrew Catholic Church of Cape Coral, and a member of The American Legion. He was also a salesman for Sears for 15 years. He is survived by his loving family, including his wife, Anna; his two children, Albert Malatesta of Tampa and Marianne Kmetz of Cape Coral, Fla.; his brothers, Joseph and John Malatesta; and his sister, Ellen Elbeuf. Albert was a devoted grandfather to Stacy Smith, Brandi Malatesta, Kristen Kmetz, Blake Malatesta, Alaina Kmetz and Clint Malatesta. He was also a loving great-grandfather to Reagan Smith, Corbin Smith, Kyle Kominar and Joseph Kmetz. The family will receive friends 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, October 19, 2007, at the Coral Ridge Funeral Home, 1630 Pine Island Road, Cape Coral, Fla. A prayer service will take place 7 p.m. at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Saturday, October 20, at St. Andrews Catholic Church. Emtombment will take place at Coral Ridge Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer' s Resource Center, 10051 McGregor Blvd., Suite 101, Ft. Myers, FL 33919, or Hospice of Cape Coral 2430 Diplomat Parkway E., Cape Coral, FL 33909. Arrangements entrusted to Coral Ridge Funeral Home & Cemetery, (239) 283-0540.