Obituary
George John Malone (69), of Cape Coral, FL, passed away on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, after a hard-fought battle with cancer.
George was born in Glen Ridge, NJ, to Doris and James Malone on August 6, 1954. After George graduated from Don Bosco Technical High School in 1972, he went on to study social studies at Seton Hall University.
George’s greatest pride was his family, and he and his wife Darlene were together for more than 50 years. The two met on a blind date, set up by good friends, in 1973. They went on to marry in 1980, and he remained smitten with her forever more. George and Darlene had two children, Dana Malone Heiser and Kyle George Malone. The family resided in Highland Lakes, NJ, for more than 20 years before George and Darlene retired to Cape Coral in 2016.
George enjoyed being on the water, having spent his youth in Packanack Lake, NJ. This upbringing made him an excellent swimmer and a surprisingly skilled ice skater. He had a knack for home repairs and enjoyed carpentry. He loved to go camping, boating and fishing.
Over the course of his career, George worked as a restaurant manager for several restaurants, previously working in sales. He excelled at improving employee morale and enjoyed getting to know his colleagues. Each Christmas, he would notably decorate the restaurant with colorful ornaments, each painstakingly handmade with festive photos of his team members inside.
George was stubborn at times, but his strong will undoubtedly helped him deal with life’s challenges. His health took a toll on him in his later years, yet he was endlessly determined to stay active and support those he loved.
George had a gregarious spirit, always going out of his way to make people smile. He treated everyone he met with respect and was often well-remembered by the cashiers, waiters and other day-to-day acquaintances he met along the way. He spoke in a booming voice that commanded attention, taking advantage of every opportunity to regale those around him with one of his classic “dad jokes.”
George was preceded in death by his parents, Doris and James Malone. He is survived by his wife, Darlene Malone (Cape Coral); his daughter Dana Heiser and her husband John Heiser (Silver Spring, MD); his son Kyle Malone (Vernon, NJ); his granddaughter Ruby Edith Heiser; his siblings Deborah Walsh and her husband William Walsh (Kinnelon, NJ), Diane O’Brien and her husband William O’Brien (Kinnelon, NJ) and brother Gary Malone (Butler, NJ); and several nieces and nephews.
Even at the end, George found a way to laugh and smile. His perpetual humor and good spirit made it hard to believe that his time was drawing to a close. He will be remembered for his deep love of family and his ever-present optimism.
The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Faithlore Gardner of Florida Cancer Specialists and Dr. Rachid Baz of Moffitt Cancer Center for their dedicated care of George. Also, Hope Hospice for all the time they spent with George even though it was short.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date in his home state of New Jersey. Further details will be shared soon. In lieu of flowers, gifts in memoriam may be given to Moffitt Cancer Center (moffitt.org).
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