Philip A. Malatesta passed away at the Chelsea Soldiers Home on January 29, 2013. He was 86 years old.
A lifelong resident of Malden, Philip enlisted in the United States Army at age 18 and served in World War II. He traveled to France and Germany while in the Army and actually met up with his brother Charlie who was in the Army at the same time. While serving his country he learned that he had a brain tumor. He had surgery in Germany but unfortunately this left him blind. Philip returned home to recuperate and attended the Perkins School for the Blind where he learned to read braille and how to play the piano which was a favorite past time of his. He also loved to listen to music and talk shows and play Cribbage. Philip loved to dance and bowl and would even venture into Boston to Dini’s Restaurant. He loved sitting outside in his yard and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
Philip was the son of the late Tobio and Mary Malatesta. He was the loving brother of William Malatesta of New Hampshire, John Malatesta and his wife Mary of Burlington, Arthur (Bobby) Malatesta of Malden, Lorraine LaSpina and her husband John of Malden and the late Charles Malatesta, Rose Fabiano and Lena Leach. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Immaculate Conception Church, 600 Pleasant Street, Malden on Friday, February 1st at 11:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visitation will be held at the A. J. Spadafora Funeral Home, 865 Main Street, Malden on Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. prior to the Mass. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Phil’s memory may be made to Chelsea Soldiers Home, 91 Crest Ave., Chelsea, MA 02150.