Joseph Kenneth Maloney

Joseph Kenneth Maloney

62, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away at home on August 21, 2020 after a long illness. Being born a preemie, Joe defied all odds again of an initial 2-year diagnosis and fought a long and courageous 14-year battle with cancer. With the support and love of family and friends Joe was able to be part of many more special memories and he continued his fight to the end with his sense of humor and strength.

Joe was born on February 28, 1958 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the youngest child of Clarence "Mick" Maloney and Anna Faye (Wardlow) Maloney. He was a beloved son, "little" brother, uncle, great uncle, great-great uncle, grandpa, and loyal friend.

Joe married Chris (Moore) Maloney on December 13, 2014 after many years together. Chris remained by his side throughout his many years of illness until his fight was over.

Joe graduated from Dexter High School in 1976 and throughout life remained close to many of his school friends. If you have ever heard the tale of the senior prank where a guy rode a motorcycle through Dexter High School, then you have indirectly heard about one of Joe's many pranks. Joe would have gotten away with it had he not wiped out and broke his leg and arm. Joe spent his graduation in two casts and wearing that grin and smile that lit up his entire face. Joe was a boy scout for many years along side his father who was one of the troop leaders and we are certain that Joe helped to make that troop the coolest. Later in life Joe worked for Data Machine with his dad and brother Bill. Eventually Joe became a technician with Mitsubishi Corporation where he worked for nearly 35 years. Working with Mitsubishi his position allowed him the opportunity to travel all over the United States and World.

From around the age of 8 until recently Joe enjoyed many trips to the family cottage at Big Lake in Evart, Michigan. Motorcycles, cars, hunting, dune buggies, sand dunes and carpentry were some of Joe's favorite pastimes. Joe used his love for carpentry and skills to build his home. All the way back to high school Joe was a frequent visitor to Evart and the Silver Lake Sand Dunes where he had many adventures and good times with an incredibly special group of friends. Joe liked to make it clear that he did not drive a JEEP but drove The Cruiser.

A surprise arrival to the family, Joe was a welcome addition by family and his siblings; big brother, Bill, and big sisters Patricia, Cecelia (Cis) and Chrissie. The siblings have many great memories of Joe's growing up and unanimously determined that any mischievous or jokester traits of Joe were learned from big brother Bill. He was a loyal friend who would do anything for most anyone. Everybody called Joe for help when they needed vehicle repairs or assistance of any type. Joe was always there for family and friends and he could "MacGyver" anything to make it work. He was very particular with his set ways of doing things "correctly". If you could not do it right, Joe would rather do it himself. He even once insisted on taking over laundry duties because it was not being done to his standards. If asked his advice, Joe was always opinionated and brutally honest. If you did not really want to know what he thought, then you simply did not ask. Joe will be remembered both as little brother and uncle with the buzzcut or to the far extreme with his long hair and famous beard.

Joe had a special love for his pets and his beloved dog Herbert went everywhere with him including dune buggy rides and snowmobiling. He could even MacGyver the dog's name. Originally the dog was named Bert but when it was determined it was a female, Joe simply changed the name to Herbert adding HER to it. The same could be said for the family dog, "George" Georgie Girl, where he later added the Girl.

Perhaps most loved was his sense of humor and fun side. Joe would tease anyone about anything and at times carryon that same tease on the same subject for many years. He was very funny and had a special knack for stirring the pot or starting something and then discreetly walk away after he felt his job was done. Because of their ages Joe was more like a big brother to his nieces and nephews – a lot of nieces and nephews! Joe had a special and unique relationship with each of them and everyone referred to him as "Uncle Joe". Family was important and he loved kids. Although it was not until last few years that Joe got to thoroughly enjoy the pleasure of being Grandpa, it became a name and special relationship that Joe loved. Being a grandfather gave him reason to continue his fight. He loved to watch his granddaughter fish in the pond and when he could no longer take her there himself, he would want to drive down just to watch her.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence "Mick" and Anna Faye Maloney and brother-in laws Glenn Winkle and Tom Rayer. In addition to his wife Chris, Joe leaves behind daughter Brenna (Gjergji) Dalanaj and his beloved granddaughter Ardiana, as well as his siblings; brother William (Topper) Maloney and sisters Patricia Rayer, Cecelia Winkle, and Christina (Lt. Col Patrick) Mattie as well as an endless number of nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces and one great-great nephew, numerous extended family, many special friends and acquaintances. Joe was truly one-of-a-kind and will be missed by many.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 14360 McKinley Road, Chelsea, Michigan,  48118 at 5:00 PM.  The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 5:00 PM.   There will be a dinner and bonfire held after Joe's Celebration.  Please bring your own chairs.

Expressions of sympathy may be made in Joe's name to University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center https://www.rogelcancercenter.org/giving/memoral-and-tribute-gifts or the charity of your choice.