Obituary of Thomas Edward Malley

LITTLE FALLS - Thomas Edward Malley, 81, of Little Falls, passed away peacefully, the morning of Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at Waterville Residential Care Center, with his daughter by his side. Thomas was born on December 28, 1941, in Staten Island, NY, to the late Thomas Malley and Rosemary (McGlynn) Malley. He was educated at St. Peters Boy School, in Staten Island. Thomas began his career at the New York Times where he continued to grow his love for sports announcing, that had begun in high school. Thomas moved to Little Falls after being hired at the local radio station, WLFH, where he was a Radio DJ and Sports Announcer for many years. He also worked at the Beech-Nut Baby Food Company, in Canajoharie, where he was a technician and part of the quality control team. Tom was a brilliant man with a vast knowledge in everything from sports, history, science, math and politics and would often frequent a local trivia night where he would share his knowledge and likely quite a few stories over a pint of Guinness. Tom was very active in his community. He was a devout member of the Holy Family Parish, where he served as lector and teacher of various classes over the years. He was a longtime volunteer for the annual Canal Days, assisting with planning, announcing at the parade and helping out wherever there was a need. His vibrant personality could also be seen in the many acting venues that he participated in over the years. Players of Utica, Ilion Little Theater and LIFT, just to name a few. Tom played the role of an old man in “We The Animals”, a locally produced Sundance Film Festival winner. He loved being around people and was the type of man who never met a stranger. He would often be seen at events walking up to someone he didn’t know and encouraging them to get involved in whatever was going on. However, Tom’s main focus was in the Irish culture. Tom spent his free time enjoying and promoting all things Irish. He spoke fluent Gaelic, which led him to teach the language at 2 local colleges as well as hold the position of Comhaltas Language Officer. He loved enjoying Irish music and was a member of Crabob Dugan Olooney, where he taught and participated in traditional Irish dance. Each year he looked forward to the Great American and Syracuse Irish Fests, as well as the Irish National Conventions. He also belonged to the Ancient Order of the Hibernians and the Knights of Columbus. All that being said, Tom’s pride and joy and his greatest accomplishment were his 4 children and 5 grandchildren. He had an unconditional love for his family that could not be surpassed. He enjoyed going to any of his grandchildren’s sporting events, any drama production, any musical event where they would be participating and proudly exclaim “I’m the Pop Pop”. Holiday meals around the table with his family were times that he cherished. Tom’s stories, dancing, friendship and personality will surely be missed by the friends and family that loved him. He is survived by his children: Thomas Malley, Jr. and Tammy Seelbach, of Little Falls, Sean Malley, of Michigan, Heather Willson, of Waterville and Chad Malley, of Little Falls; his sister, Maureen Fernandez; 5 grandchildren, Halie Weaver and Zachary Held, of Frankfort, Emilie Phillips and Michael Woods, of Oriskany Falls, Ashlie Willson, of Waterville, Thomas Willson, of Waterville and Ireland Malley, of Little Falls; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Rosemary Malley; and his sister, Elizabeth (Betty) Martino. Calling hours for Tom will be held Thursday, January 19, 2023, at the Enea Family Funeral home, 24 West Monroe Street, Little Falls, NY (315) 823-2424, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Knights of Columbus Prayer Service will be held at 6:00 p.m. and at 6:45 p.m., that evening, the Ancient Order of Hibernians will conduct a Ritualistic Service. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place, on Friday, January 20, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., at the Holy Family Parish, 763 East Main St., in Little Falls, offered by Rev. Brian Slezak, Pastor. Interment will follow at St Mary’s Cemetery, East Herkimer, where committal will take place. Guests are invited to a Celebration of Tom’s Life, at the Irish Cultural Center, 623 Columbia Street, Utica, following the services. His daughter would like to extend her heart felt gratitude to the staff of the Waterville Residential Care Center for their diligent care, patience and compassion for Thomas and their continuous support, comfort and counsel for her throughout Tom’s time there.