Joseph John Mally

Joseph John Mally, Jr. (84) went home to the Lord on September 1, 2016, passing peacefully, surrounded by his family. Joe was born in Baltimore, MD on November 7, 1931 to Joseph John Mally, Sr. and Katherine Mox.

After graduating from Calvert Hall College in 1949, he proudly served his country in the US Navy from 1951-1955, and was a veteran of the Korean War. His main tour was patrolling the Sea of Japan on the USS Patapsco and while steaming toward Pearl Harbor from the Marshall Islands he witnessed the 15 Megaton Castle Bravo Shot on March 1, 1954, the largest thermonuclear detonation in US history.  The Patapsco was approximately 200 miles from the Bikini Atoll ground zero at the time of detonation.  After honorably completing his duty to his country, he returned home to the Baltimore area to start his family and career.

Joe married Eleanor Iris Ruff On May 6, 1961 and settled in Arbutus, MD.  He applied his Navy machinist skills, first as an apprentice at the Glen L. Martin Company in Middle River, MD (precursor to Martin Marietta) then later in 1958 as a machinist for the Baltimore Gas & Electric Company where he enjoyed a successful 33 year career until his retirement in 1992 at age 62.  He also kept active as a member of the American Legion, Musicians Union, and a longtime member of the Ascension Catholic Parish in Halethorpe, MD.

Joe was an avid musician, drumming anything he could from German Oom-pah, polka, dance, swing, to the latest pop tunes and performed with his main band The Twilighters for over 40 years.  Long after he hung up the drum sticks, Joe was still known to tap out a beat on the kitchen table, at restaurants, or while standing on line in the store.   His energy and sense of humor were difficult to contain, always on the go and willing to participate in a practical joke.  When it was time to relax, Joe preferred to be out on the water, crabbing, fishing or cruising on his boat with his children.  He continued his love of the sea during his retirement embarking on many cruises with his wife and friends.  But his greatest love was his family. Nothing made him happier than spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren as evidenced from the volumes of family photos and the loving memories he leaves behind.

Joe is survived by his wife Eleanor Iris Mally of 55 years; his daughter Victoria Hood (husband, Deron), of Finksburg, MD; his daughter Lisa Hutchinson (husband, Stan), of Hanover, PA; and his son Joseph John Mally, III of Catonsville, MD,  and his 7 grandchildren, Bradley, Ryan, Bayley, and Tyler Hood;  and Shannon, Hannah, and Carli Hutchinson.

The family suggests contributions be made to the Church of the Ascension, Mercy Hospital or The American Cancer Society. .