Joseph William Malloy

Joseph William Malloy, 58, of Media Pennsylvania, after a fourteen-year battle with cancer, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on March 31st, 2025. This date happened to be the 25th anniversary of his mother’s death at the same age. I am sure Marge was eagerly awaiting his arrival. Joe is survived by his devoted wife and biggest supporter, Maria (nee Ciminera), his amazing stepsons, Jonathan and Bill Ghaul, and beautiful, talented daughter, Paulina Rose. He is preceded in death by his mother, Marge Malloy (nee Dreger) and father, Bill Malloy.

As the oldest son in a working-class, Irish household, Joe could have coasted on his good looks and charm. Rather than taking the easy route, Joe set the supreme example and became the blueprint for the Malloy family. He put himself through Malvern Prep, attended the University of Pennsylvania, traveled the world, pursued an MBA at Penn State University, and never stopped advocating for his family. He set high expectations for his younger sisters and watched them succeed thanks in large part to his motivation and support. He wrote the playbook for the incredibly challenging, yet exceedingly rewarding lives each Malloy has played out. Along with his sisters, Sue, Patty and Booty, Joe spent his youth with his other siblings– Margie, Frankie, and Sean Smiley. Summers in Avalon running home from the boardwalk to earn gold, silver, or bronze medals, swimming at the Smiley’s pool, playing basketball anywhere we all could, and attending as many Philadelphia sporting events as was possible. You’d expect a young man growing up in the golden age of Philadelphia sports to be a fan, but Joe made the average Phanatic look like a Phool. Rattling off Flyers scores, one-season Eagles duds, and archaic baseball regulations were Joe’s bread and butter.

After Penn State University, Joe did a bit of traveling for work, living in Toronto, New York and Virginia. But he had to come back home to find the love of his life. Joe met Maria Ciminera at a fundraiser for Elwyn Institute and he was insistent on a date two days later, even though Maria was not quite sure. But Joe knew. He was sure. Maria was Joe’s steadfast companion and supporter throughout his cancer battle. In marrying his beautiful bride Maria, Joe was marrying her family. He became a second father, sixth brother, and faithful son the moment he said, “I do.” Bill and Jonathan were his sons. Joe was dedicated to raising them with kindness, strength, and dignity. Joe was a big supporter of their many accomplishments, both now successful doctors and husbands. Joe was grateful to be able to see and participate in these events. His daughter, Paulina (or “Peanut”) (or Glinda or Frenchie or Ms. Darbus if you’ve seen any of Paulina's Incredible productions), was the light of his life. Every milestone Paulina hit, every performance she crushed, and with every friendship she made, Joe’s pride simply radiated. Joe had a special bond with his second Mom, Anna Ciminera. The Ciminera boys could not have treated him more like a brother. Their support during his cancer fight will never be forgotten.

Joe also held an important role as an uncle. To each of his nieces and nephews, Joe was not only loved but respected. He was the patriarch of his family, and he seemed to understand the great responsibility that came with that position. Joe made sure that he was always a guiding voice. Nobody wanted to falter under his watching eye. Yet at the same time, he was the easiest to talk to, the first to seek out advice from, and the quickest with a joke or silly voice.

You always fit in when you were with Joe. His mission seemed to be to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable, regardless of the situation. He was always happy to see you. To know Joe was to feel seen by Joe, which is likely why he was able to carve out meaningful friendships everywhere he went. Starting with his brother from another mother, Joe Juliana at Malvern, to neighbors, fellow Philly sports aficionados, and college roommates, no one had a bad thing to say about Joe Malloy.

You’ve got it from here Mom and Dad.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation 6:00-8:00 PM Thursday, April 10, 2025 at The Donohue Funeral Home, 1627 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA 19382, 610-431-9000 and 9:30-11:00 AM Friday at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 2400 N. Providence Road, Media, PA 19063, followed by his Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed, starting at 11:00 AM, here: https://www.stmarymagdalen.net/masstimes/live-stream. Interment private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Neumann University Players. Please make checks payable to Neumann University, Memo: In Memory of Joseph W. Malloy and mail to University Advancement, One Neumann Drive, Aston, PA 19014-1298 or online at www.neumann.edu/give. Under 'Make Your Selection', type 'Players' and a drop down for 'Neumann University Players' will appear.