Frank Raymond Maloney

Frank Raymond Maloney came into the world on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 1919. He left as he lived: with fists blazing. He died of natural causes in Redlands, CA on Sept. 8, 2021 as a decorated WWII and Korean War veteran, an FDNY Captain and an LAPD officer. He was 101.

Frank served 28 years with the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) in the Bronx, where he earned the rank of Captain and saved countless residents from blazing buildings. He was instrumental in safety and training protocols: The FDNY and NASA awarded him Safety and Training Awards for innovations in jacket, helmet, gloves and boot-construction using NOMEX. This technology is in effect today.

Frank enlisted in the U.S. Army on Jan. 5, 1943, to fight for his country in WWII,

"My baby brother was drafted, and I couldn't let him go alone," he said. In the midst of the war, the pair reunited on a tarmac in Europe, during Frank's tenure as a pilot with the U.S. Army. When his path crossed with his brother's, SFC Robert Maloney, Frank said: "It made the service worth it."

During his years with the U.S. Army, Frank served in Germany, France, and the Philippines. He was a sailor, a pilot, an engineer and a ground commander of 60+ troops. He remained a member of the Army Reserves, and was called again to serve during the Korean War. He earned the rank of Colonel and was awarded the Meritorious Service Award in October 1975. Frank retired on Jul. 12, 1976, with merits.

His accolades include: the American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, World War II Victory Medal and the Philippines Liberation Medal.

Frank moved to California in the 1970's to work as a Safety Officer with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) at Ontario Airport.

In retirement, Frank kept blazing trails. He performed as Officer O'Hara in a production of "Arsenic and Lace" with the Essayons Dramatic Club in New York City. He won three consecutive pool titles at the Joslyn Senior Center's annual pool tournament (the Redlands Daily Facts" named him the "Joslyn Hustler"). He donated the proceeds to charity. He was the First Director for the 20th anniversary performance of the Joslyn Line Dancers. The man had moves.

Frank is survived by his son, Robert Maloney, his niece Kathleen, his great-niece Audrey Jackson, and his great-nephews Glen and Brian Green. Frank also maintained treasured friendships, and tutored close friends and their families in language and work skills.

A self-taught scholar, his favorite book was The Rubuiat of Omar Khayyam. His favorite passage appears below:

"Today is thine to spend, but not tomorrow; Counting on morrows breedeth bankrupt sorrow: O squander not this breath that Heaven hath lent thee; Make not too sure another breath to borrow."