Richard Michael Maloney of Garnet Valley

Posted by ChaddsFordLive on May 31, 2019

Richard Michael Maloney, 77, of Garnet Valley, died peacefully on May 28, in the arms of his beloved wife after battling Parkinson’s Disease for more than 20 years. A devoted and loving husband, Rich always said, “His wife was his joy.”

Born in Bethlehem, he and his wife have lived in Garnet Valley since 1990, previously living in Wilmington. Richard served in the Special Services Division of the U. S. Army. He earned a bachelor’s degree from West Chester State College and a master’s degree in education from the University of Pittsburgh. He taught health and physical education and coached soccer and tennis at Hanby and Springer Junior High Schools in Delaware retiring in 1994. In addition, he was an entrepreneur, had an ice cream business and rental properties.

Devoted to his faith, he belonged to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church for the past 49 years and participated in numerous community outreach programs. He will long be remembered as a regular on the local tennis scene, a Middle States ranked player, a finalist in the Delaware Over 35 Tournament and member of the Wilmington Racquet Club, where he served on the Board of Directors. He was an avid St. Joseph’s University basketball fan, loved music, dancing, antiquing and outdoor activities of all kinds including biking, hiking and tennis; and traveled extensively with his wife throughout North America and Europe.

He is preceded in death by his father, Francis Maloney; mother, Frances (Orefice) Maloney Rowland; stepfather Stewart Gary Rowland and two brothers, Patrick & Frank Maloney. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary E. (Landis) Maloney; a brother, George Rowland (Veronica Gustin), sisters-in-law, Jane Maloney & Lynda Maloney; nieces and nephews, Patrick Maloney (Courtney), Jennifer Irons (Rob), Megan Maloney, Frank Maloney(Sasha), Michael Maloney, and cousins, Peggy Burnett (Charles), Liz Hampton, Gretel Smith (Tom) and Charlene Wederbrand (Eric).

Visitation will be held on Monday, 9:45-10:45 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 4701 Weldin Road in Wilmington, followed by a funeral mass at 11. Interment, Saint Cecilia Cemetery, Coatesville Twp., PA followed by a luncheon. Donations in his memory may be made to Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (www.michaeljfox.org). Online condolences may be made by visiting www.paganofuneralhome.com