Joseph Malinowski, 1933-2024

He was the beloved husband of Patricia Jaworski Malinowski; and loving father of Michael (Christine) and Michelle (Chad) Walker; cherished grandfather of Branden and Brianna Malinowski, and Kaylie and Alex Walker; the son of the late Joseph and Mary Kendzierski Malinowski.

He was the youngest of 11, all who preceded him in death: Stella (Joseph) Pizzie, Anna Marie (Edward) Knapp, Elizabeth “Betty” (Emil) Sounik, Helen (Robert) Barkheimer, Frank (Marie), Irene (Roscoe) Haulk, John (Marge), Charles (Eleanor), Genevieve “Gene” Griffith and Catherine “Kitty.” Three additional siblings passed away during infancy: Edward, George and Stella.

Joe was born and raised in Cleveland. In 1953, he proudly joined the United States Marine Corps, where he served two tours in Vietnam and dedicated 20 years to his country, retiring in 1973 as a Master Gunnery Sergeant. After his military service, Joe and his wife settled in Austintown, where he worked at General Motors, until his retirement in 1998.

Joe volunteered time with the Cub Scouts, Austintown Little League, Marine Corps League, American Legion and UAW Veterans committee. He played Santa Claus for multiple organizations every year and taught a Vietnam history lesson at Fitch High School annually.

In retirement, Joe dedicated much of his time to volunteering with the VFW, taking on roles from District Commander to State Chief of Staff. He took immense pride in his service as a Marine, which he considered his greatest personal achievement. His patriotism and love for his country never wavered. Each summer, he placed flags on each mailbox of his neighborhood, earning the title of Austintown Flagman. In 2008, Joe and Pat relocated to Fort Mill, South Carolina, to be closer to their children and their families. They quickly made friends as part of the morning McDonald’s crew, eating breakfast with other retirees and chatting about anything and everything.

Joe’s greatest joy in life was his family, and he never missed an opportunity to spend time with his children and grandchildren. A devoted fan of the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Indians and Ohio State Buckeyes. Outside of sports, he eagerly read every book he could find on Vietnam. He treasured his Marine Reunions with the 9th Engineers and cherished his annual trip to Hilton Head with his family.

The family will be hosting a funeral Mass at noon Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Indian Land, South Carolina.

The burial will be 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 30, 2024, in Fort Jackson National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to any veteran’s entitlement group.

Semper Fi.

(special notice)