John G. Malangone

May 9, 1932 ~ May 19, 2021
Malangone, John age 89, of Little Ferry,NJ passed away on Wednesday
May 19, 2021. John is the beloved husband of Rosemary, devoted and most loyal father of Gregory Mary, Christina, Elizabeth, and the late Anthony Malangone. He is the cherished grandfather of Gregory, Catherine, and Jacqueline, and uncle to Brett, Josephine, Dolores, Sylvester, Sylvia, Judy and Joann. John was also the loving brother of the late Sylvester Malangone and Anna Guido. John was loved by his family and many friends and will always be remembered, for his humor, athleticism, kindness, wisdom, and generosity.
John was born in New York on May 9, 1932, the son of Josephine Panarese and Sylvester Malangone. John served in the US Army during the Korean War and was awarded the Soldier's medal for bravery in the rescue of his fellow military brother Corporal James Parker.
John played for the New York Yankees. He was signed with the NY Yankees at 17 years of age, and played baseball in their organization for 7 years. He worked for the city of New York for 25 years, and Sears Automotive for 32 years where he was the Manager for 10 years.
When John retired, he continued to play baseball in the over 40 leagues called the Wonderboys, and made it to into the Roy Hobbs World Series Championship game. He was also the winner of the senior Olympics for swimming at YMCA in Hackensack NJ.
We all might think that his proudest achievement was his 7year run with the NY Yankees as a catcher in his younger years but it was his family, his wife and his children that he was most proud of and expressed this with great love and sincerity.
The family will receive their friends on Monday 4:00 – 8:00 PM at the Frank A. Patti and Kenneth Mikatarian Funeral Home 327 Main Street “opposite the Fort Lee Library”. All are asked to assemble Tuesday 9:45 am for the celebration of his funeral mass in St. Margaret Of Cortona Parish, 31 Chamberlain Avenue, Little Ferry, NJ at 10:00 AM. For condolences, directions, or information call (201) 944-0100 www.frankpatti.com
Services
Mass: May 25, 2021 10:00 am
St. Margaret Of Cortona Parish
31 Chamberlain Avenue
Little Ferry, NJ 07643
Visitation at Funeral Home: May 24, 2021 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Frank A. Patti & Kenneth Mikatarian Funeral Home
327 Main Street
Fort Lee, NJ 07024
Final Resting Place: May 25, 2021 11:30 am
Garden of Memories
Soldier Hill Raod
Washington Twp., NJ 07675
Rosemary, Mary, Christina, Gregory and Elizabeth
So sorry about John. I have so many great memories and will always remember his stories.
Deepest Condolences
Willy
Mary, Rosemary and all of John's family members. I offer my deepest condolences on the loss of John. I hope God brings you peace that surpasses all understanding. May God bless you and your family.
Diane Brueske
He was a good friend and teammate. I will miss him.
I had the pleasure of playing with John in a league of our own, over 40 baseball. He was a great inspiration and a wonderful man. He will be missed. RIP my friend.
Ron Clemente
Wow!! Just weeing this today. I first encountered John at the Coach House Restaurant located on route 4 in Hackensack maybe 5 or 6 years ago, and I immediately recognized him by the distinctive Yankee cap he was wearing. A short while before this chance meeting, there was an article about him in the The Record newspaper wearing that same Yankee cap that told some of his story. After I introduced myself and told him about the article I read about him, we talked baseball and then I realized that I played baseball against him while playing a Bronx adult summer league way back in late 60's and early 70's, not knowing him or his background. He played for a team ironically called the Yankees. We reminisced about some of the players we both knew and played against, some of whom became major leaguers, like Ken Singleton. We talked a long time and we agreed to meet again at a restaurant near his home in Little Ferry which we did. He told me that his wife regularly attended Mass at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Teaneck of which my wife and I have been members for over 50 years. John was pleasantly surprised that I had already purchased his book Penance and Pinstripes on Amazon. He told me about the a baseball league in Passaic that he was still active in and asked if I wanted to play, which I politely turned down (too old and broken down, early 70's at that time). At our meeting, I brought along some photos of a few trophies from championship wins with teams called the Bombers and Redwings and also I gave him a VHS copy of a non speaking baseball beer commercial I made back in 1973 for Pabst Blue Ribbon beer. I was playing baseball in a summer league in New Jersey by then. He mentioned most if not all, of his health problems and told me that he worked for many years as an auto mechanic and worked for Sears for many years. He gave me a copy of a DVD of his story. I must say, it was a real pleasure meeting John and discussing something he loved, baseball. John, rest in eternal peace in baseball heaven. Ray Smith. 8/11/2021.
It was a pleasure to work at sear with John for 10 years. A famly man,a listener, and the biggest heart. When it came to sports the talking stopped John Malangone spoke every one listen to fantastic store of his wonder life. It was encourghing for us young one. Thank you John for all your advise and teaching us a teriffic direction. Ray Caronia