Obituary of Hubert J. Mallia

Hubert J. Mallia of Schenectady, NY passed away on July 26, 2018.

Hugh is survived by his son Joseph (Ellen), his daughter-in-law Karen Mallia, grandchildren Katie, Jack, Sean, Emily and Will of Schenectady. He is also survived by his niece Mary Lee Kokosa (Richard), nephew John Young and cousin John Mallia (Patricia). He was predeceased by his wife Joyce Young and son Jeffrey Mallia.

A native of Schenectady, NY, Hugh graduated from Mont Pleasant High School. He was a decorated veteran of the U.S. Navy, enlisting at the age of 17 to serve in World War II as a radio tail-gunner in an SB2C Helldiver. During the War he survived a crash into the Northern Atlantic where he rescued his pilot, was on the USS Wasp when it was bombed in September of 1942, and also flew in the July 1945 raid on Kure Harbor.

After leaving the Navy, Hugh graduated with honors from Siena College and began his business career with the Aetna Insurance Company in 1950. He went on to become Manager of Operations of the New Hampshire Insurance Group for the Upstate New York territory. He earned many professional designations, was a sought after speaker and a teacher of insurance at Russell Sage College. He formed a local insurance agency, Sykes-Mallia Associates, Inc. and worked with his sons Joseph and Jeffrey until his retirement.

With his son Jeff, Hugh built an experimental aircraft (Cozy Mark III) which won many national air races and still holds a world speed record for the type of aircraft.

Hugh loved to travel, was a voracious reader and was a lifetime golfer and proud member of Pinehaven Country Club. He liked to spend time with his family and especially with his five grandchildren. He attended most of their swimming, soccer, golfing, skiing activities over many years.

Calling hours will be held Monday, July 30th from 5pm – 7pm at the Jones Funeral Home, 1503 Union Street, Schenectady, NY. In lieu of flowers, Hugh’s family request that donations be made in memory of Hubert J. Mallia to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute 450 Brookline Ave. Boston, MA 02215 or www.dana-farber.org.