Vladimor "Wally" Maliniak

Vladimor "Wally" Maliniak, age 97, a former resident of Schuylkill County, recently residing in St. Helena Ishand, SC, passed away with his children and their spouses at his side on April 6, 2019.

Born in Shenandoah on August 28, 1921, he was a son of the late Max and Anna (Mahulsky) Maliniak.  Wally attended Shenandoah school, and was a member of the first graduating class of West Mahanoy Township, 1939.  Wally trained as a butcher and helped his father Max in his grocery store and butcher shop.

He enlisted in the US Army, and upon returning home, he worked at the  former Tregellas shoe store in Mahanoy City.  He later became a buyer for the Leader Department Store in Hazleton before starting his own store, Shoe City in Ashland.  He and his son operated two stores for over 15 years.

Shoe City truly defined Wally as a businessman and merchandiser.  He began concepts in shoe sales in the 1970's that were not duplicated until the early 1980's.

Wally was a lifetime member of the American Legion and the Disabled Veterans of America.  In 1960, he was elected to serve on the Mahanoy Area School District Board, and became president shortly after.  He also serviced on the TRIAD S.A.L.T. Council and volunteered with seniors and the Ringtown Library.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Jean (Tregellas) Maliniak; his stephmother, Julia Maliniak, his sister Rosellen Howell, and his great great grandson, Anthony.

He is survived by his son, Mark Maliniak, and his wife Tracie Gantz; a daughter Diane Maliniak, wife of Kenneth Hall; three grandchildren, four great and one great great grandson; and a sister Eileen Newburn, along with many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a graveside committal service at St. Michael's Cemetery in Shenandoah Heights at 10 AM on Saturday, June 8th.

In lieu of flowers, donations are asked to be made to the Schuylkill County Area on Aging Advisory Fund in Pottsville, or to the Ringtown Library.

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