Dec 20, 2018

James “Shorty” Malardie, 83, of Canonsburg, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, December 19, 2018, in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh.

He was born May 11, 1935, in Canonsburg, a son of Stanley and Anne Powell Malardie, who are deceased.

Mr. Malardie celebrated 41 years of marriage recently. He wed Marcia Phillips October 7, 1977, and she survives.

He was a veteran, serving his country in the U.S. Marines, Semper Fi. During his service time, he played baseball in Japan for three years. He played baseball with Billy Martin and Sparky Anderson, whom he counted among his acquaintances.

Mr. Malardie was employed for many years as a psychiatric technician for Mayview State Hospital, until his retirement.

He had many, many interests, hobbies and passions. He was passionate about the game of golf. He was a member of the White Eagles Golf Club and played numerous times at Lindenwood Golf Course. In the summer of 2002, he made a hole-in-one. He was a longtime member of the White Eagles in Canonsburg, where he and his wife enjoyed attending and acquired a large group of friends. He was a great cook, known for his delicious BBQ ribs, and a passionate sports fan, especially of Pittsburgh sports teams. He was surely their biggest critic as well as being a fan. In his free time, he enjoyed visiting the casino to try his luck. He was a good bowler and was a member of the White Eagles Bowling League for many years.

In his mind, there was nothing better than a good glass of wine, and he was a true connoisseur of wines. He enjoyed going to Napa Valley over the years to try out new wines and experience wine country.

Above all, he was proud of his family and enjoyed spending time with them, especially his grandchildren.

He will be especially missed by his three cats, whom he loved dearly.

In addition to his beloved wife, he is survived by his children, James A. Malardie (Deb Eckenrode) of Washington, Joseph Malardie of Strabane, Janice Martinez (Ron) of Colorado, Cinda Flaherty Maxwell (John) of Washington and Melissa Flaherty Vito (Mark) of Mt. Lebanon; brother Robert Malardie of Washington; sister Doreen Smittle of Canonsburg; seven grandchildren, Victoria Malardie, Nichole Gladd, Joseph Malardie, Justin Malardie, Jensen Maxwell, Jacob Vito and Ava Vito; five great-grandchildren; and three nephews.

Deceased, in addition to his parents, is a grandson, Tyler Malardie.

Friends are welcome from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, December 22, in Salandra Funeral and Cremation Services Inc., Joseph P. Salandra, LFD, owner/supervisor, Darla A. Tripoli, LFD, certified celebrant, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, 724-745-8120. At the request of the family, funeral services and burial in Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray, are private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Washington Area Humane Society, 1527 PA-136, Eighty Four, PA 15330.

To view or leave condolences, visit www.salandrafunerals.com.