JAMES J. MALATESTA died peacefully March 26, 2021, four days from his 102nd birthday. Beloved husband for 73 years of Antoinette (nee Pargoliti); loving father of Frank (wife Donna), Phyllis Malpas (husband Mark), Vincent (Linda Schroeder) and Teresa; devoted grandfather of Andrew Malatesta (wife Kimberly) and Thomas Malatesta (wife Elizabeth), Anthony Pivonka (fiancé Cecilia Augustine) and Amber Malatesta and great-grandfather of Justin, Makayla, Julia and Annelise; cherished son of the late Philomena (nee Mandrone) and step-son of the late Giro Pasquariello; dearest brother of Frank Pasquariello and the late Josephine Malatesta and Nicholas Malatesta; beloved uncle of the late Theresa Manocchio and Jimmy Pargoliti. WWII U.S. Army Veteran.
Jim was born in Syracuse, New York on March 30, 1919, and passed away on March 26, 2021, four days from his 102nd birthday. In 1924, Jim and his family moved to the Little Italy neighborhood of Cleveland. He attended Murray Hill School and East Tech High School.
In World War II he served in the 778th Anti-Aircraft Battalion of the United States Army. (778 AAA AW BN (SP) US 3rd Army). In December 1945 Jim fought at the Battle of the Bulge, in the Ardennes Forest, near Bastogne, Belgium. Jim remained in Europe during the Allied Occupation of Germany. Returning to America in 1946. He stayed in touch with his fellow soldiers and was on the 778th Battalion’s reunion committee for more than fifty years.
In 1947, Jim married, the love of his life, Antoinette Pargoliti. The family, including four children (Frank, Phyllis, Vince, and Teresa) lived in Little Italy and University Circle. Always surrounded by family and friends. Jim was a dedicated employee at TRW Valve Division as a Finish Grinder. In 1985 he retired after 36 years of service.
During his many years in Little Italy, Jim was active in the community and Holy Rosary Church, where he was the oldest parishioner. At Holy Rosary, he was a church usher, and volunteered for decades at The Feast of The Assumption festival. Jim is renown as the parish’s best raffle ticket salesman! In 1952, he joined the Knights of Columbus and achieved the status of Fourth Degree. Jim is a member of Gilmour Council #310. He was the oldest Fourth Degree Knight. In 2019 he was awarded the ‘Lifetime Achievement and Distinguished Centenarian Award’. He was also a member of the Little Italy Retirees and the VFW, Marino-Piscopo Post #5799.
Jim was a friend to everyone, everyone. He loved all creatures great and small and was always happy with a dog or cat on his lap, at his side, or under the dinner table. As an all-sports fan he closely followed the Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Browns. Jim loved music of all kinds. From classical music to Italian love songs, and especially rock-and-roll, and earned the well-deserved nickname of Rock and Roll Jim (RRJ)! Most of all Jim loved spending time with friends and family. He was easy-going and peaceful, a genuinely nice guy. He never complained. Jim was always happy to share a shot of Sambuca with whoever stopped by. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Jim to Holy Rosary Church. Mass of Christian Burial SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2021 at 11 AM at Holy Rosary Catholic Church 12021 Mayfield Road, Cleveland. Burial following with Military Honors at Lake View Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Jim at THE DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATIONS CENTER OF CHESTERLAND 12811 CHILLICOTHE ROAD (Rt. 306, just south of Mayfield Rd.) FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 4-8 PM.
Due to COVID guests are required to wear masks and maintain a social distance during the entire visitation and Mass.
Charity Name: HOLY ROSARY PARISH
Charity EIN: 340757171
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Linda M Checovich
Teresa,
I remember when we would talk about our parents during our time at SRW. I felt like we were kindered spirits. You took such great care of them. Hoping your good memories bring you peace at this time.
Linda Checovich
Ss. Robert and William School
Teresa Malatesta
Thank you so much
I’m sorry to hear about the recent passing of your husband
Erica Hearn
RIP Mr. Jim such a sweet nice caring man he welcomed me into his home to care for his wife I truly miss seeing him prayers for his family
Janet Dell
My heartfelt condolences to all of Jim’s family. I don’t think I have ever met a kinder man than he was. Gentle, loving and devoted to his family and his God. Knowing him for 54 years has been a blessing. May God bring you comfort and May wonderful memories warm your hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lawrence Haver
Frank,Vince
So sorry to hear about your dad. May he rest in peace.
Joe & Jenny Carbone
Hi Cousins and families
Our most sincere condolences to you all.
What an amazing human being Jim was in every way. He has done so well to have reached this milestone in such good health and totally switched on. We will treasure the memories and conversations we’ve been privileged to have had with Jim, especially the last one after he came home from hospital…. still having a sense of humour.
Feeling for you so much knowing the void he has left you all.
He is now resting in peace.
With all our love, Joe & Jenny & Families (Australia) xxxxxx
Vicky Hall
My deepest condolences to the family! Truly a man of honor.
Bonnie & Pete Kaczor
We are SO SORRY for the loss of Jimmy. He was a very special man, husband & father. He LOVED Holy Rosary Church with all his heart. We will always remember him, especially during THE FEAST.
Chris Devorsky
I loved pops and will be forever grateful that he welcomed me with open arms into the family. I am so thankful that he and I managed to get our dance in as promised. He will never be forgotten.
Rosario & Jane Carbone
Vince, Frank & Teresa, we were so sorry to hear about your Dad. It seems just like yesterday my family and I were driving over to visit your Mom & Dad. I’m sorry we will not be able to pay our respects in person, we will be in Columbus with my son & his family for Easter. You will all be in my family’s thoughts & prayers.
Robert Freitag
Frank and Donna. sorry to hear about your father, Frank. It sounds like he had a full and rewarding life. May he rest in peace. Love you and regrets to rest of family. Robert
Frank & Donna
Robert:
Thank you for your kind thoughts.
Yes, Pop had a long & rewarding life……….will be missed by not only family, but many more.
Maureen Perzynski
He truly was a wonderful man….all of you are a testament to his name. Prayers and love.
Perzynski family
Terry Hamilton
Malatesta Family- I am very sorry to hear of Mr. Malatesta’s passing. From day one when I met him, he was so very kind, he always had wonderful stories of his past that he would share with me. He was always a pleasure to work for. I am forever grateful to have a client like Mr. Malatesta, I loved him like a grandfather, From Murray Hill to South Euclid. God Bless you all. ❤️❤️
Bob and Sandy Spinks
So sorry to hear about RRJ’s passing, but he lived a damn good life! You know Sandy and I would be there in a heartbeat if we could. We will be thinking about you guys as you celebrate RRJ’s life. Condolences to you and your family.
Rose Costanzo
To the entire Malatesta family,
My sincerest condolences, may God give you all comfort and peace during this profound time of sorrow. Mr.M was a great human being. A war hero,who served his country proudly.He & your mom raised a wonderful family. I truley loved photographing this man especially with his family.He was an inspiration to all of us , he touched so many lives in so many ways.He will be deeply dearly missed.Im truley sorry.
Regina Kupecky
I have many happy memories of Jim through Knights of Columbus with my husband Don. Jim was always smiling, a real gentleman and a good man. He will be missed
Maura Hopkins
To Frank and Donna, Phyllis, Vince and Teresa,
My sincerest condolences to your entire family on the loss of your dear father Jim. I have only the fondest memories of my six years living on Murray Hill Road, in the bosom of the Clemente and Malatesta families. What a wonderful and warm house to move into as a single graduate student at Case Western Reserve. And to Teresa especially, who has kept me abreast of major family events through the years. May your kindness and diligence in caring for your aging family members bring you the comfort and joy of the most precious memories. Warm wishes to you all.
Marilyn Goudas
Dear Frank and Donna, I knew you were in town to see your dad but not until today when scrolling our obits did I see that your dad passed….Wow, he certainly will be missed. He was a very active man in all kinds of clubs and activities of importance….I offer sincere prayers of healing to you both and know for sure this gentle loving man is resting in the heavens with the Lord.
Zeltner Family
What a gift Jimmy was to this world! We have been tremendously blessed to share just a short time with him and his wonderful family. We love you all and hope you find comfort in this difficult time. You are in our prayers and on our minds.
Laura Coufalik
We are so sorry for your loss. “ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
Peace be with you and your family. Love, Vince and Laura Pietropaolo