Martin T. Malia, 84

Martin Malia

WESTBROOK — Martin T. Malia, 84, of Westbrook, died Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017 at Maine Medical Center with his loving family by his side.

Martin was born in Portland on Sept. 1, 1933, the son of the late Martin J. and Mary W. (McCafferty) Malia. He attended local schools, graduating from South Portland High School in 1952. Following high school, he enlisted and served in the United States Army during the Korean War. After returning home, Martin attended the University of Maine Portland-Gorham earning a bachelor’s degree in Business.

 Working in retail management, Martin worked for more than 20 years at Porteous, Mitchell & Braun on Congress Street. He then worked for several years at Pecks Department Store in Lewiston. Semi-retiring, he then worked in the dietary department for the Barron Center, Brighton Medical Center, Jackson Brook Institute, and the Maine Veterans Home in Scarborough, retiring full-time from the Betsy Ross House.

In his spare time, he enjoyed spending time on Crescent Lake, gardening, and was said to be a great cook. He also served as an organist for several area churches including St. Maximilian Kolbe and Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Windham, which he was one of the founding members. He also attended Holy Cross and his home church of St. John the Evangelist in South Portland. He also worked part-time as a crossing guard for the City of South Portland.

His greatest love was the time he spent surrounded by his family, who referred to him as a “quiet, but generous person.”

Martin was predeceased by a sister, Barbara Malia; and two brothers, John and George Malia.

He is survived by a daughter, Winifred Malia of Scarborough; three sons, William M. of Pennsylvania, Stephen P. of Scarborough and Thomas M. Malia of Alabama; three sisters, Helen Scott of Chebeague Island, Mary Perry of Raymond and Margaret Eckert of New Hampshire; three brothers, Daniel Malia of Massachusetts, Richard Malia of Wells and James Malia of Westbrook; his former wife, Eleanor Malia of Westbrook; 10 grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours and a celebration of Martin’s life were held on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017, at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2017 at 8:15 a.m. followed by a 9 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 150 Black Point Road, Scarborough. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland.

To view Martin’s memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com

Those who wish may make contributions in Martin’s memory to: American Diabetes Association/Portland Maine Division, PO Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312.