Obituary: James P. Maloni Jr.

James P. “Bubba” Maloni Jr. went home to Jesus, his parents, relatives, church friends, and a slew of cats on Saturday, June 4, 2022. He was 75.

A man of many interests – including cars; animals of all sorts; the New York Yankees and Buffalo Bills; TV shows “The Deadliest Catch,” “Wicked Tuna” and “BattleBots”; trips to the movie theater; and cooking famously delicious Italian dinners – Maloni most enjoyed spending time with his family. His church congregation, pastors and worship team at Resurrection Life Church came in a close second.

Maloni was a fierce defender and friend to those he loved, while always working to provide compassion and aid to the less-fortunate. He was the first one to pray for someone in need, surprise a family member with a treat – often something sweet, of which he, too, would partake – and lend a hand when the job was big and the resources small.

Above all, Maloni was a man of faith, whose firm foundation was Jesus. Despite years of physical health challenges, Maloni always had a smile on his face, a joke to tell, a story to share, and a prayer of thanksgiving at the ready.

Maloni was born on New Year’s Eve, 1946, in Niagara Falls, to James Maloni Sr. (Mary Archie). He is a 1965 graduate of Niagara Falls High School, where he wrestled and played football and baseball. In 1971, Maloni earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Buffalo State College. He served as a member of the New York National Guard for six years. Later in life, Maloni would volunteer at Buffalo Stand Down events, supporting local veterans.

He read meters for Niagara Mohawk before continuing his career as a technician in the results department at the Huntley power plant (NRG). He retired after 30 years. After a short break, Maloni joined the team at Community Missions, where he worked for 16 years – first as a driver and then as a transportation supervisor.

Maloni served as a worship team member at Res Life for more than a quarter-century. He also was a volunteer and safety team coordinator at Vacation Bible School, and helped start the “Helping Hands” ministry.

Bubba is survived by Lynn (Conley), his loving wife of 48 years. The two wed Aug. 17, 1973. And, yes, his suit was yellow. It was the 1970s, after all.

Of his wife and constant companion, Maloni wrote, “She is my strength, my fortress, a lover of Jesus; she took over when I couldn’t. My love for her cannot be said in words. … I am truly blessed.”

Additional survivors include beloved children Joshua, Matthew (Marisa Nold) and Elyse; his dear sister, Jere, and her husband, Tom Insana; nieces and nephews: Jennifer (John) Castellani, Erika (Peter) Daddabbo, T.J. (Korina) Insana, Joe (Ann Marie) Johnson and Jillian (Johnson) Shaner (Michael); as well as several great-nieces and great-nephews; cousins; innumerable friends; and even more cats.

Visitation will be held from 3-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 8, at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY, 14304. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Resurrection Life Church, 2145 Old Union Road, Buffalo, NY 14227.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Community Missions or to the Resurrection Life Church food pantry. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.