GERALD FRANCIS MALONEY

July 13, 1942 – October 15, 2025

The glorious spirit of Gerald Francis Maloney, age 83, of Mendham, New Jersey could no longer be contained by his well-worn body as of Wednesday, October 15, 2025.  He raised his hand, to hold his wife while he passed, surrounded by his family and love.

Gerry was born on July 13, 1942, in Brockton, Massachusetts to Thomas (Sr) and Adele (Frazian) Maloney.  He graduated from Framingham High School, captaining the football and basketball teams and donating a few teeth and concussions to the effort.  He played football at Dean Junior College before graduating from Boston University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, followed by a Master's degree in Teaching from Antioch College. Gerry was an insatiable athlete, competing in tennis and racquetball events throughout his life, embarking on a marathon career in his 40s, always finding a way to expend energy.  The day before his death, he spent 20 minutes on our home row machine! 

His irresistible twinkle and charm were instantly captivating to children, who would often glance at him and be unable to look away from the dancing blue eyes and goofy faces he would employ to tease out a giggle or smile.  Toddlers would leap out of their parents’ arms towards Gerry, once they caught a glimpse.  Thus, it was a natural fit that he would work with children in some form for his career.  However, instead of entering the work force, he joined the Peace Corps to volunteer in Cameroon, teaching science to high school students. He consistently chose to commit his life to service.  After finding that teaching was not the right fit, he became a social worker for the state of Maine, working to protect children from abuse for decades. 

We always think there will be a tomorrow, and Gerry made it look easy after surviving two different forms of pancreatic cancer for nearly 9 years.  He was still making homemade buttermilk pancakes for his grandchildren this week, and we are wondering when he will return to feed us waffles and French toast with (must be REAL) maple syrup.  Despite his intense need to move his body daily, he was known to “jump-scare” his children when they encountered him silent and still, meditating in dark rooms at night.  His meditation practice became a defining strength.  He would attend weekend retreats to spend a full day in reflection with Buddhist Insight Meditation of New Jersey and the Empty Cloud Monastery.  One of the most important relationships in his life was with his guru, Dennis Maurer, who would regularly guide his self-examination.  Dennis brought peace to a busy mind and body.

He consistently sought to connect with humanity, from those with profound needs as well as those simply facing the mundane routine of running a cash register.  His silly script could be repeated by those who knew him (“Better than I deserve!”).  He is survived by his younger sister, who took great care of her big brother over the years, Maureen (Maloney) and Edward Bertucci of Tampa, Florida. He was predeceased by his older brother, Thomas L. Maloney, on May 4, 2012.  His children will miss him every day: Maeghan and Christopher Maloney of Augusta, Maine, Michaella (Maloney) and Sandip Prasad of Mendham, New Jersey, and Matthew and Kristina Maloney of St. Cloud, Florida.  He was gob-smacked by the strength, intelligence and compassion of his grandchildren: Atticus, Colin, Roshan, Taj, Lila, Kai, and Lochlan.  He always seemed to be in awe of them.  Even though we expected his enduring loyalty to his wife to surpass the state of death, he has left his devoted partner of 57-years, Angela Joan (Blier) Maloney, also of Mendham, New Jersey, originally from Van Buren, Maine. As Dad would have said, “Wherever you go, there you are” and nothing was truer of the two of them.  They were inseparable.

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In lieu of flowers, make a stranger smile today, in his honor. 

If you wish to make a donation, the family recommends the following organizations:

Insight Meditation of New Jersey: dennispmaurer@gmail.com via PayPal

Empty Cloud Buddhist Monastery: https://buddhistinsights.org/donate/

Peace Corps: https://www.peacecorps.gov/donate/

                                             "Forever in Our Hearts"

Viewing and service will  take place on Sunday, October 19, 2025, from 11 AM  - 1 PM, Bongiovi Funeral Home, 416 Bell Avenue, Raritan, NJ.