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Roger Malone Obituary
Roger "the Ad Man" Malone passed away peacefully on Oct. 25, 2015. He was 93 years old. Roger grew up a rough and tumble guy from a large Italian family on the streets of Chicago during the 20's and 30's. He joined the army and fought with McArthur in the Philippines and when he wasn't harassing the Japanese, he was entertaining the troops with his impromptu song and dance routines; working with the likes of Morrie Amsterdam, Fanny Bryce and Arthur Treacher. After the war, Roger joined one of Chicago's premiere advertising agencies. A "one-liner" wizard, he helped develop national ad campaigns for companies like Nabisco, Studebaker and Maxwell House. Nicknamed "the Ad Man" until his retirement, when he and partner Gene Milligan traveled west and purchased the Gloria Swanson compound in Palm Springs; converting it into Arenas Gardens Hotel. Gene was the businessman and Roger was the ultimate host. He was a truly generous man with a huge, "never met a stranger" personality. He entertained thousands of guests over the years. Many returning again and again to revel in Rogers' hilarious tales of yesteryear. The hotel still thrives today in the Historic Tennis Club neighborhood.
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Memories and Condolences
for Roger Malone
December 11, 2015
Roger was truly a great friend to all - hearty laughter and just fun to be around. I will miss you, Roger - even when you did not know me anymore, you could still light up a room. RIP in Chicago. Sweet Sue , Rancho Mirage
jude IMAN
November 25, 2015
I will always love you Uncle Roger
jude IMAN
November 25, 2015
To my dear Uncle Roger ...ypu were the best of the best RIP
Sally McManus
November 24, 2015
Roger was a dear sweet man. it was a privilege to know him. He helped me often with local research which I sincerely appreciated. As former director of the Palm Springs Historical Society, I thank him!
Marnie and George and Tony . Pickering
November 24, 2015
Goodbye dear Roger !! We have such happy memories of our times together at Arenas Gardens , Palm Springs C A .
You were always the perfect host , kind and utterly generous , always with a smile and a joke ! You christened George ' Colonel Pickering ' and that was a great laugh , our son Tony remembers Roger with great affection and they spent many happy times together ! Roger was a great character ! We are going to miss you so much , and our vacations at Arenas Gardens wont be the same without you there !!
We are so pleased and relieved that your wishes were carried out , and that you are with your dear family in Chicargo ...May 'God bless you ' RIP.
Marnie , George and Tony .
November 23, 2015
Thanks for being a friend and bringing lots of laughs into my life for over 20 years, Fraser
Helen Phippen
November 23, 2015
I am so glad to have known you and your business partner, Gene, for all those years when you and the Arenas were thriving. The end of an era.
November 23, 2015
ROGER MALONE AND FAMILY, thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. Jeremiah 29:11,12.
November 21, 2015
Thanks, Roger, for all you added to our lives.
Cornelius and Geraldine
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