Joseph Robert Malaney

Joseph R. Malaney, 90, died at his home in Sarasota on Monday, November 10, 2025. Joe was born on June 6, 1935, in Honolulu, Hawaii, to the late Ivy and James C. Malaney. When he was a year old the family, which also included Joe’s half-sisters Patricia and Blanche, and half-brothers Curt and Jimmy, moved to San Diego. Joe spent his formative years in San Diego. While he was in elementary school, he had an experience which determined the course of his adult years: he saw his first car. It was a Cadillac belonging to the family of a friend. It was love at first sight. Over the course of his life, he owned scores of cars, from a 1951 Bentley to a 2017 Lexus. Following graduation from high school, he enlisted in the US Air Force, serving our country in Europe, Turkey, Northern Africa and Viet Nam. During his time in the Air Force, he also attended Ohio State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in business. He rose through the ranks in the Air Force, retiring in 1974 with the rank of Captain, and leaving behind a reputation for ability to conduct massive, complex mobilization of people and materials. His next stop after leaving the Air Force was Colorado, where he worked in the US Post Office, intensifying his passion for cars, collecting, buying and selling. He joined Car clubs, chief among which was the Classic Car Club of America. In the decades that followed, right up to the end of his life, Joe was unstinting in his commitment to the mission of the car club. He loved attending the rallies held all over the country, he served on local clubs and served on the national board for nine years, earning awards for his labors: the coveted Falhenstock Award for excellence in contribution in writing, editing, and judging entries for the CCCA magazine; also the Classic Spirit award; the Deutch Memorial Award; and the CARavan Award (twice). All of this while amassing what would become a world-class collection of diecast model cars of all descriptions. Joe made friends wherever he went in life. He once said that the secret to making friends was to join a club or organization and stick with it. His many friends all over the country will attest to the success of his method. However, Joe was not merely a joiner. He freely gave his time and financial support to numerous local institutions, chiefly the Mote Aquarium, where he volunteered for many years. In 1974, Joe married Sharon Wright, who preceded him in death (deceased 1978). He was the last surviving member of his family of the WWII generation. He is survived by his longtime partner in life, Jason Montgomery, as well as nephews and nieces, great-nephews and -nieces, as well as great great -grand nephews and -nieces. And his cousin, Bruce Schryver. Joe’s remains will be interred with full military honors at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241. The ceremony will begin at 2:00 pm, December 3. In lieu of flowers, Joseph has requested that you make contributions to the charities of your choice.

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Joseph Robert Malaney

June 6, 1935 - November 10, 2025