James Robert Maloney – Belle Vernon, Washington Township
James Robert Maloney, 91, died Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020, at home surrounded by his loving family. Jim and his twin were born June 24, 1929, in Pittsburgh. Unfortunately, his twin brother Edwin lived just a short time. Jim was the son of the late John and Mary Maloney. He was happily married 59 years to his bride, Patricia Kilkeary, and was father to Karen (John), Jim (Mary), Colleen (Greg), Kevin (Lori), Mark (Patti), Maureen (David), Carol (David) and grandfather to numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jim attended Central Catholic High School and served in the Army in Texas after graduating. Loving all things athletic, he enjoyed a successful career in the sporting goods industry. After leaving the Army, Jim went to work as a salesman for Wilson Sporting Goods. In 1965, he took the chance to open his own sporting goods store in the Northway Mall. Unfortunately, he was a bit ahead of his time — folks still shopped in town and the store closed in 1968. Jim then joined Rawlings Sporting Goods in Chicago Ill., as their regional sales manager. Within a few years, he was promoted to national sales manager and moved the family to St Louis, Mo. In 1975, he took on the opportunity and momentous task to lead Tiger Shoes (now Asics) in launching its national efforts in the U.S. He was a true leader of men and a salesman who could tell the stories that might include Phil Knight or even Sam Walton. In 1983, he moved back to Pittsburgh and started his own independent sales organization representing the sporting goods industry. He was back in his hometown and he and his wife could not have been happier. They also enjoyed winters in Florida, and the door was always open to their kids to come down and enjoy. Above all, Jim loved his family, along with his football, golfing, playing gin and Manhattans. Jim was the last of his seven siblings to leave this world. We rejoice that when he reached heaven he was reunited with the love of his life and his twin brother he has yet to know. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at PARZYNSKI FUNERAL HOME & CREMATIONS, family owned and operated, 626 Broad Ave., Belle Vernon, 724-929-6183. Prayers of Transfer will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home, followed by funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church with the Rev. Michael J. Crookston as celebrant. Interment will take place in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, McMurray. Masks must be worn and social distancing must be maintained. Condolences are accepted at the funeral home’s website, www.parzynskifuneralhome.com.
