Obituary of Joe Malo

MALO, Joseph "Joe" Arnold...

Joseph “Joe” Arnold Malo passed away peacefully at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on July 22, 2021 at the age of 87 after battling Parkinson’s disease for several years.

He was born May 22, 1934 in Fort William (Thunder Bay) Ontario to Jean (nee McCartney) and Arnold Malo. There he met and married his high school sweetheart, Bernadette “Bernie” Miller. They were happily married for over 65 years and had 5 children, Karen (Ian) McDonald, Mary Jean (Joe) Martin, John (Pat) Malo, Denise (Tony) Guglielmin and Paul Malo (Deb). They were blessed with 9 grandchildren, Louise, Yvonne, and David Martin, Kristen, Nicole, and Mark McDonald, Laura Guglielmin, Tristan and Brennan Malo and 16 great-grandchildren.

Joe is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, younger brother Paul Malo and is pre-deceased by his parents and brother Ray.

Married August 6th, 1955, Joe and Bernie moved to several cities in Canada and the US while Joe pursued his hockey career. He started with the Detroit Red Wings organization, playing on several affiliate teams. They moved to Chatham in 1959 where he played for the Chatham Senior Maroons hockey team from 1959 to 1964. He was part of the Allan Cup champion team in 1960. He was also on the Galt Terriers team when they won the Allan Cup in 1961. The team went on to represent Canada at the World Senior Men’s Hockey Championship and won the silver medal in 1962. He continued to play in local hockey leagues well into his 70’s and was inducted into the Chatham Sports Hall of Fame in 2015.

Joe worked for Union Gas for 35 years. He was active in many sports besides hockey, including tennis and golf and was a faithful member of St. Ursula church and choir. He was the type of Dad to make backyard hockey rinks for his kids, take them swimming at Rondeau Park and always liked ice cream, even in his final days.

Joe will be sadly missed by his whole family. He was a loving husband, a great Dad, Grandpa/Papa and a kind and humble man.  He made many lifelong friends through all his activities.

We would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at CK Health Alliance and the Chatham-Kent Hospice. They made the last few months of Joe’s life comfortable.

Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held at a later date. Joe will be buried at Maple Leaf Cemetery.

In memory of Joe, donations to the Chatham-Kent Hospice would be greatly appreciated. 

McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham, 519-351-2040