Joseph Mallen

Joseph (Joe) Mallen, the strongest and the most determined man that you would ever meet. He survived five Cancer’s but sadly lost his battle on his sixth on July 21, 2023. He leaves a huge hole in the hearts of his family and friends, who were always entertained by his stories and hilarious sense of humor. His smile was infectious and he truly brought the life to the party. Joe was born on February 21, 1948 to Joseph Mallen Sr. and Helen Mallen (Powell) in Jersey City, New Jersey. At Margaret Hague Maternity Hospital, which was the only hospital near their home in Hoboken, New Jersey. It is in Hoboken where Joe was raised not only with his siblings; Helen Mallen (deceased) James Mallen (Cheryl) and Janet Ondyak (deceased) but his cousins as well; Robert Hayes and Raymond Mallen. His upbringing was very family oriented and included wonderful vacations at the beach’s in Wildwood Crest and Point Pleasant, New Jersey. There are numerous stories that have been shared throughout the years of all the mischief that the Mallen boy had partaken in. Being that Joe was a grade or two behind his cousins and his brother, he was met on the first day of school by the nuns at Lady of Grace, warning him to watch out because they knew how to handle a Mallen. From that point on Joe had something to prove to them. Joe attended North Bergen High School, NJ, where he found the love of playing the drums and being a member of the drum corp. He marched with the Lady of Grace Drum Corps and then proceeded to marched with the Blessed Sacrament Golden Knights in Newark, New Jersey. In 1969, Joe joined the Army and was stationed in Fort Dix Army Base in Burlington, NJ, and ultimately sent to Germany where he was a member of the 106th Transportation Battalion during the Vietnam Era. He was a trained sharpshooter and prior to completing his two years of service he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. In 1971 is where Joe’s life exploded with multiple adventures. He was a teamster in New York City working in the Garment District. He also delivered meats to different markets within the city. Joe moved to Colorado which he always referred to it as “God’s Country” and loved to visit there often. He worked at the Denver Post and quickly became a fan of the Denver Bronco’s as his favorite player was the star quarterback, John Elway (#7). Joe also lived in Minnesota for a short time, but he knew quickly that he needed to be near a beach and he was happy to leave the cold weather behind. When Joe moved to Florida he was a bachelor living on the beach. He called it, “living the dream”. When he wasn’t working in the Pest Control business or working for UPAR as a counselor, you would find him by the water working on his tan, playing softball with his good friends, shooting pool and throwing darts. In 1998, Joe started his career at Bay Pines VA. He started as a housekeeper aide, then he assisted in the implementation of a new program called the Gray Team where he taught housekeepers nursing assistant duties. From there Joe remained as a nursing assistant until he transitioned to a transporter. After 13 years of dedication to our Nations Hero’s, Joe retired. He was beloved by everyone who ever met him; A fantastic husband, brother, uncle, cousin, and a best friend to all walks of life. No matter the circumstance, you'd always leave with a story of something funny or crazy Joe did or said while you were with him. This includes jumping out of a perfectly good airplane, TWICE. Joe’s other loves was anything sport related; Denver Broncos, Duke Blue Devils, Tampa Bay Lightning and of coarse his true love, the Tampa Bay Rays. His travels took him on a worldwide tour including Germany, Alaska, Ireland, Prague, Passau, Vienna, Budapest and many trips to New Jersey, New York, Denver, South Carolina, and Virginia. Joe is survived by the love of his life, Anne. They started as friends 25 years ago and in 2005 Joe couldn’t refrain from expressing his love. They where married on 10/10/10 and new and wonderful adventures began. As strong as Joe was with all his medical set backs, Anne was there at his side holding him up and making every moment special. Anyone and everyone could see that their love was deep for each other and that will never end. He is also survived by his nephews Justin (Keiko), Ryan (Kate), and a great nephew Noah, who Joe enjoyed looking at daily pictures on the app Tiny Beans. Joe will be remembered as a free spirit and he is now at peace. He is joining many friends and family members that have past before him. We are sure they are having one hell of a party and watching over all of us from above. Rest in peace Joe Mallen! If you wish to make a donation in honor of Joe, please consider donating to the Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation at foundationinfo@Moffitt.org or 1-800-456-3434 Ext. 1403

Joseph Mallen

February 21, 1948 - July 21, 2023