John R. Maloney

February 19, 1924 – March 7, 2022

Deacon John R. Maloney of Nanuet, New York, passed away on March 7, 2022, at this home, with his family at his side. He was 98 years old.

John is survived by his two daughters, Joan Moran and Patricia Maloney-Titland, and his three grandchildren, Burke, Freia, and Finn Titland. He is predeceased by his loving wife, Joan (Burke), his son, Stephen, his son-in-law, Tom Moran, and his siblings, Joan, Eugene, and Robert.

John was born in the Harlem neighborhood of NYC to John and Margaret (Morrissey) Maloney, the oldest of four children. His parents made many sacrifices to focus on the importance of education for their children. John attended St. Joseph’s elementary school in Harlem, and received scholarships to several high schools, including Regis High School and Xavier High School. He attended Xavier, graduating with the rank of Captain. John earned a B.S. degree in Philosophy from St. Joseph’s Seminary and a master’s degree in Social Work from Fordham University, receiving the Alumni Medal for the outstanding student in his class. John was an adjunct professor of social work at the Fordham Graduate School and a field instructor for a number of years.

John’s life was one of service to the church, his community, and others. He joined the staff of New York Catholic Charities in 1948 and worked with street gangs in East Harlem and the South Bronx during the height of gang activity in New York City. He was the CYO Director in both Staten Island and Westchester counties from 1952 to 1965. In 1965, he transferred to the childcare division of Catholic Charities, where he served in various executive positions at childcare agencies, including St. Agatha’s Home, and at Rockland ARC, an organization providing services to people with developmental disabilities.

In 1973, John was ordained a deacon by Cardinal Cooke, as part of the first class of permanent deacons in the Archdiocese of NY. He was the longest-serving deacon in the Archdiocese of New York. During his 48 years as deacon, he served in various capacities at St. Anthony’s Parish in Nanuet, NY, including serving as the deacon during Saturday evening Masses, performing baptisms and marriages, and offering the Miraculous Medal Devotion every Monday night for 46 years, during which he provided benediction and sermons.

His ministry as deacon included services beyond the parish, e.g., visiting Cabrini Hospital in Manhattan two nights a week for 10 years to provide Communion to patients; serving as Chaplain at the Rockland County jail for 30 years, and visiting those in prison on Sunday mornings to provide Communion; visiting patients on Fridays at Nyack Hospital for 30 years; visiting patients at Northern Manor Geriatric Center in Nanuet every Sunday morning for 47 years to conduct services; and bringing Communion to the homebound every Sunday for 48 years.

John proudly served as Chaplain of the Nanuet Fire Department for 40 years. He was honored to serve alongside so many who selflessly volunteered for the fire department. In 2015, he was honored as the 2015 Firefighter of the Year, an award he cherished.

In 1973, John was elected Councilman for the Town of Clarkstown in Rockland County. He was the Town’s longest serving Councilman, serving for 36 years. In this role, he was also designated Deputy Supervisor and Police Commissioner.

Over the years, John served on several nonprofit boards and received recognition and many awards/honors for his community service. He was also a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus.

John’s avocation was acting. For many years, he was a member and director of the St. Anthony’s Parish Players, and the Clarkstown Senior Players. John was well known in the county for his humorous monologues as a perennial master of ceremonies at many functions and as a stellar roast master in Rockland County. For 40 years, he wrote a weekly humor column for The Rockland County Times.

The family will receive friends on Monday, March 14 from 3 to 9 at Saint Anthony’s Shrine Church in Nanuet. The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, March 15 at 10:00 am at Saint Anthony’s Parish Church, with interment to follow at St. Anthony’s Cemetery.

Those wishing to make a donation in John’s memory can make it to St. Anthony’s Church, West Nyack Road, Nanuet, NY 10954.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MJHigginsNewCity.com for the Maloney family.