Joseph F. Malmisur, 89, passed away on Sunday, October 14, 2018, at home after a long and illustrious life.
On March 13, 1929, through good fortune he was born into the family of Joseph D. and Rose (Creigo) Malmisur who instilled the most important tenents of success and happiness: loyalty to family and friends and the importance of education and strong work ethic. After graduating from East High School, he attended Heidelberg College and obtained a Master’s degree from Bowling Green University. He also Studied law at Ohio Northern.
His entire professional life was in education as a teacher, coach, and administrator. He was a member of the Ohio National Guard and was drafted into the Marine Corps. After his discharge, he began his professional career as a teacher and assistant coach at his alma mater, Heidelberg. From there he became head coach at Wellston and later at Lima Senior High School, where he had many successful seasons. He returned to Heidelberg as head coach and then to Hiram College, where he led the program to its first championship season in school history.
After his tenure as coach he came home to Youngstown, an area he was passionate about, becoming Director of Athletics at Youngstown State University. Upon retirement, he continued his relationship with the University as a driving force in the Penguin Club, the fundraising arm of YSU athletic department.
After a sixty-year career, he received several accolades, for which he felt honored, but he never lost sight that all honors are a result of others’ efforts. He leaves his dearest friend and love of his life the former Olga D. Schenk, his two children, Joseph Jude Malmisur and wife Susan, Martha Hyden and her husband, John. Seven Grandchildren: Stephanie (Don) Cox, Nathan (Jill) Malmisur, Samuel (Peggy) Malmisur, Emily Malmisur, Kelly Hyden, Katie Hyden, and Patrick Hyden. He also leaves seven great grandchildren, Josh and Samantha Cox, Ava and Eloise Malmisur, Sophia, Weston, and Anthony Malmisur.
He also leaves his brother Michael Malmisur PhD. and his wife Mickey, and their children Joanna Malmisur, Kristen and husband Charles Jacobs PhD. and their children Ian and Will. He always said of Mike, “brothers by birth, best friends by choice”. He also leaves beloved brother-in-law Karl Schenk, his wife Barbara and their children Heidi (Tom) Phillips, their children, Kelsey and Marcus; and Beth (Gary) Leininger, children Abby (Phil) Bennet, Seth, and Kobe.
Calling hours will be held at the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Avenue in Boardman on Thursday, Oct. 18 from 4 to 7 pm. There will be a 10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, Oct. 19 at St. Angela Merici Church (formerly Sacred Heart) 400 Lincoln Park Drive, where friends may call from 9 to 10:15 am prior to mass at the church. He will be laid to rest at Belmont Park Cemetery.
The family has requested that memorial tributes take the form of donations to the Joseph & Olga Malmisur Scholarship at the Youngstown State University Foundation, 655 Wick Ave. Youngstown Ohio 44502, or to the Joseph Malmisur Scholarship at the YSU Penguin Club, One University Plaza, Youngstown Ohio 44555.
