Frank James Malena Sr.

Beloved Husband, Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa Frank James Malena, Sr., age 96, of Niagara Village, Erie, died Friday, October 28, 2011 at Manchester Presbyterian Lodge. He was born in Albion, Pa. on May 22, 1915, the son of the late Salvatore and Josephine Rinella Malena.

He was a graduate of Albion High School and attended St. Bonaventure University and then went on to served in the U. S. Navy during World War II.

Frank was founder and owner of Frank's Cleaners, from where he retired. Now owned and operated by his son, Frank James Malena, Jr.

He was a member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, and a former 43-year member of the Lake Shore Country Club. Frank was an avid golfer.

In addition to his parents, three sisters and a brother preceded him in death, Victoria Swaney, Mary Alexander, Lucille Moyer and Salvatore Malena.

Frank is survived by his wife, Winifred (Peg) Steiger Malena, whom he married on May 30, 1938; two daughters, Ruth King and her husband, Olyn, of Erie, and Sue Ellen Cavanaugh, and her husband, Robert, of Tom's River, N.J., a son, Frank James Malena, Jr., and his wife, Rene' of Erie; five grandchildren; Tiffany Budzynski, Brian Cavanaugh, Amy Capito and husband Dominick, Eric Malena and wife Megan and Zachary Malena and son Kayden; two step-grandchildren: Denise Biletnikoff and Joanne Nestor, five great grandchildren: Ethan and Jacob Budzynski, Amanda and Kayla Capito and Kayden Patruso; four step great grandchildren: Samuel and Henry Nestor, Cody and Rianna Biletnikoff. Several nieces and nephews further survive.

Friends are invited to call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home on Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. and are invited to attend services there on Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. in the All Faith's Chapel with Deacon Dr. Anthony Alleruzzo officiating.

Burial will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery with full military honors.

Published in the Erie Times-News on October 30, 2011.