Basil J. Maletich

February 26, 2021

U.S. Veteran

Burial Date: March 6, 2021
Basil J. Maletich
February 26, 2021
 
Basil J. Maletich, 96, Carbondale, died Friday at St. Mary’s Villa, Elmhurst after a month-long illness. His wife of 59 years was the late Elizabeth (Betty) Cerra Maletich.
 
Born in Mayfield, son the late John and Mary Zabrusky Maletich, he was a life-long Navy veteran. During World War II he served aboard the USS Frost from 1943-46 and was awarded the European and American Theater Ribbons and a Victory Medal. During his post-war career as part of the Military Sea Transportation Service and Military Sealift Command from 1945-1985, he served on the USNS General W.G. Haan, USNS General W.O. Darby, USNS General M.B. Stewart, USNS Mission Capistrano and his last 15 years as bosun on the USNS Redstone, an Apollo Space Mission support tracking ship out of Port Canaveral Fla.. “Shipwreck” as he was affectionately called by family and friends traveled to six continents during his career. He was a 1942 graduate of Mayfield High School and a long-time member of the Carbondale Moxie Club. Devoted to his wife during their life-time together, he enjoyed reading about American and World History, crossword puzzles and taking care of his lawn. The family thanks Dr. Samuel Valenti, the staff at St. Mary’s Villa, Dr. Matthew Haley, Joan Cerra and staff and Dr. Thomas Craparo for their recent care and previous care.
 
Surviving are: a daughter, Mary Elizabeth Donato and husband, Anthony, who Basil resided with for the last 13 years, Madison Twp.; a grandson, Anthony Edward Donato; a brother, Nicholas (Buddy) Maletich, Ridgewood NJ; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Michael Maletich and Paul Maletich, four sisters, Helen Rugala, Mary Karosus, Anna Bollinger and Martha Plamandon.
 
A private blessing service will be held on Saturday followed by interment, with Military Honors, at Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Greenfield Twp.
 
Arrangements by Lawrence A. Gabriel Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 2 Hospital St., Carbondale.
 
Online condolences may be sent to the funeral home website.