John Joseph Malik

Navy veteran enjoyed woodworking, winemaking. John Joseph Malik, 86, of Washington, died Wednesday, May 28, 2008, in Washington Hospital. He had been in declining health for several years. He was born May 11, 1922, in Manifold, a son of John and Mary Kurila Malik. He attended Canton Township School, Trinity High School and Brick Layers School. Mr. Malik served in the Civilian Conservatory Corp and the U.S. Navy, with U.S. 8th Fleet, as an airman on submarine patrol in the Atlantic Ocean. He was an Aviation Ordnanceman, 2nd Class, and received the Victory Medal, American Theater Medal, European African Middle Eastern Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He worked at Hazel Atlas Glass, Plant 2, Pennsylvania Transformer and retired from Jessop Steel Co., (now Allegheny Ludlum) in 1984, following 30 years of service. Mr. Malik was a member of Immaculate Conception Church. He also was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 927, Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 American Legion, Slovak American Citizens Club, First Catholic Slovak Union, where he served as secretary of Branch 851, Steelworker's Organization of Active Retirees and American Association of Retired Persons. He was a charter member of Canton Township Volunteer Fire Company, serving as their first president for five years, and served on Canton Township Planning Commission. Mr. Malik enjoyed woodworking, gardening, winemaking, fishing and hunting. His family will enjoy his wine for many years to come. On February 1, 1947, in Immaculate Conception Church, he married Julia Petrola, who survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Mary Ann Friend (Alfred William) and Joan L. Warren (James); three grandchildren, Melissa (Robert) Hook, Justin (Dawn Marie) Friend and Michael (Lindsay) Warren; two great-grandchildren, Matthew and Zachary Hook; a brother, Thomas G. Malik of Washington; a stepsister, Mary Oliverio of Washington; and several nieces and nephews. Deceased are a brother, Justin Malik, who died in a mine disaster; and a sister, Margaret Slesh. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, May 30, in Immaculate Conception Church, 119 West Chestnut Street, Washington. Entombment will follow in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, St. James Mausoleum. Military rites will be accorded by Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 American Legion. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.