A graveside service with be held at 11:00 am on Friday, February 8 in St. Bernard’s Cemetery, Fitchburg. There are no calling hours.
The Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd., Fitchburg is assisting the family
Fitchburg- John George Maldarella- died on February 3 at the Lahey Medical Center in Burlington. His sister Edith was with Jack, as his family called him, in his final hours.
Jack was born in Middle Granville, NY on July 30,1939, the youngest of the seven children of Antonio B. Maldarella and Mary Gordon. In 1941 the family moved to Fitchburg where the Maldarella family had settled after immigrating from Italy in 1909.
Jack attended schools in Fitchburg and enlisted in the United States Army on August 26, 1958. He served until 1961 and was honorably discharged. He lived and worked in the Fitchburg area until moving to California in the 1980s, where he was a construction worker.
Jack’s greatest enjoyment was playing cards and spending time at his favorite casino in Los Angeles. He was a loyal Yankees fan, and had recently confided that he hoped to get a ticket to a real game, his request was never answered.
In January 2018, he took Amtrak from Boston to L.A. to re-visit the area. He found it changed but had planned one more trip. Alone and handicapped he pursued his goals.
Those who knew and loved Jack for himself, as unpredictable as he could be, saw him as a kind, compassionate man who, beset with handicaps, lived his life as a truly good person. For Jack every day was a challenge and met to the best of his ability.
He leaves us with sadness, frustration, and a smile, for all those who welcomed Jack into their lives.
Jack is predeceased by his parents, his brother Daniel J. who passed in 2006, his sisters, Shirley Ann who passed in 2008, Gensie who passed in 2018, Nicoletta Condon who passed in 2012.
He leaves his sister, Edith, many cousins, nieces, nephews and the caring friends at the Veteran Services offices at the Fitchburg Senior Center. They were his true life line.
To the Lahey Clinic MICU my heartfelt appreciation for their care of Jack and their assistance to make it possible for his sister to be with him in his last hours.
To the mangers and others of the Sun Dial Apartments who reached out to Jack to offer help when needed, your care and kindness is remembered with gratitude.