Michael D. Malia
Michael D. Malia, 71, of North Wales, formerly of Philadelphia, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 19, 2024. He was the beloved husband of Regina (Hamill) Malia.
Born September 2, 1952 in Philadelphia, he was a son of the late Thomas and Kathryn (Smith) Malia.
Mike was always there for his family and friends, with a kind word, calming presence, and his chicken noodle soup.
Mike was a devoted husband of 48 years to Jean, always by her side. They cared for and supported each other, teased each other, and laughed with each other. Ever since they stumbled into each other on a ski trip 49 years ago, they continued to stumble through life together.
His daughters remember him as the ultimate girl dad. He attended all of their games, taught them algebra and to parallel park, knew every ballet routine, and was always ready with a random fact or dad joke. As we all liked to tell him, his jokes never got old. Mike guided with patience, kind advice, and his many, many stories.
Mike was the best Pop, with a special connection with each of his grandchildren. He rocked them as infants, chased them as toddlers, read to them, taught them sudoku, and cheered at their games. He enjoyed sharing with them his passion for the Eagles, Phillies, and Sixers. He loved his time with his family in Ocean City, NJ, playing in the water with his grandkids, taking walks on the beach, and sitting on the deck with Jean.
As a world traveler, Mike loved visiting places near and far with Jean and their family and friends. His favorite trip being to Disney World with their daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren. Mike was an avid reader, often found with a book or kindle in his hand. He was a lover of music and was always ready for a concert – especially the Stones and Bob Dylan with his brother Ace.
Mike was a dedicated and proud Philadelphia firefighter for 36 years, with most of his time spent at Engine 2. He loved his job and his fellow firefighters, and was filled with stories of fires and firehouse antics.
Along with his wife, Jean, Mike is survived by his daughters, Bridget Schalcosky (David), Katie Ting (Alvin), and Julie Beachler (Dan); five grandchildren, Caitlin, Emily, Connor, Sarah, and Jake; five siblings, Kitty Intrieri, Tom Malia (Kay), Pat Donaldson (Dave), Rosanne Smith (Bruce), and Mary Malia; a brother-in-law, Frank Benscoter; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Theresa Benscoter.
Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family Thursday, July 25, 2024 from 9:30am until the funeral mass at 11:00am at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Church, 1325 Upper State Road, North Wales. Interment will follow at St. John Neumann Cemetery, Chalfont.
Contributions in Michael’s name can be made to Divine Providence Village, 686 Old Marple Road, Springfield, PA 19064.
Morning Visitation
Thursday, July 25th, 2024
9:30 AM - 11:00 AMMary, Mother of the Redeemer Church
1325 Upper State Road
North Wales, PA 19454Funeral Mass
Thursday, July 25th, 2024
11:00 AMMary, Mother of the Redeemer Church
1325 Upper State Road
North Wales, PA 19454Interment
Thursday, July 25th, 2024
St. John Neumann Cemetery
3797 County Line Road
Chalfont, PA 18914