John Andrew Malitoris

October 15, 2009

John Andrew Malitoris, 83, died Thursday, October 15, 2009. He was born on May 3, 1926, in Mocanaqua, to the late John Alexis and Mary Trudnak Malitoris, both of whom had emigrated to the U.S. from the Slavic region of Eastern Europe. John, the second youngest and only son of a large family, had 11 sisters. His childhood was spent in the home next to Ascension Catholic Church, where he was an altar boy. In 1942, John enlisted in the Navy and served aboard the USS Alkaid AK-114 supply ship in the South Pacific throughout World War II. After the war, John returned to Pennsylvania, eventually working for CPC International, from which he retired in 1990, after almost 35 years. In 1951, John was introduced by a friend to Catherine Perugino and they were married on Valentine's Day in 1953. He lived with his wife in Garfield, N.J., for more than 50 years. While in Garfield, John was an active member at Holy Name Church, as well as with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). John also participated in numerous activities with his childhood friend, Clem Ceglarski, for the Knights of Columbus. In November 2007, John moved with his wife to Raleigh, N.C., to be closer to his son's family. He has lived at the Heritage Residences for two years and was a member of St. Raphael Catholic Church. John is survived by his wife, Catherine of 55 years; son, John Anthony Malitoris; daughter, Nancy Levine; daughter-in-law, Kerry O'Rourke Malitoris; son-in-law, Daniel Levine; and five grandchildren, Gregory Levine, Jessica Malitoris, Alex Levine, Julia Malitoris and Jeremy Levine. He is also survived by three sisters, Ann Sterbinsky Domagala ,of New Jersey; Malvina Conrad, of Pennsylvania, and Marge and her husband, Bill Sterbinsky, of Florida. John is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces, too many to name, but much loved. A Catholic Funeral Liturgy was held October 19, 2009, at St. Raphael's Church, Raleigh, N.C. A Rite of Committal will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery in Saddle Brook, N.J. at 11 a.m., on November 14, 2009. In lieu of flowers, make donations to the VFW, Operation Uplink, VFW National Headquarters, 406 W. 34th St., Kansas City, MO 64111, www.operationuplink.org . Please leave condolences at www.brownwynne.com .