Eugene "Gene" G. Maloney

Eugene G. Maloney (Gene), age 85, of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side to join his little angel in heaven, on Friday, July 3rd, 2015.

Gene was born in Wilmington on September 18, 1929, to the late Edward and Ann Maloney.  He graduated from Wilmington High School.  Gene was very athletic and excelled in sports.  

He immediately joined the U.S. Army, honorably serving with the 82nd Airborne.    Gene was honorably discharged after his four years of service during which time he attained the title of Jumpmaster, personally recording 75 successful jumps.

After returning home, Gene joined the City of Wilmington Police Department and proudly served the Community of Wilmington for 29 years.  Through selfless dedication and consistent hard work, Gene was promoted through the ranks, ultimately serving as Chief Inspector.   Gene always wanted the best for his men and women, the community and his City.   Always concerned for the health and safety of all police officers, Gene fought for many changes and upgrades, and was instrumental in bringing the WPD into the 21st Century.     

After retiring from the WPD, Gene’s dedication and public service continued with 14 years of exemplary service with the United States Marshall Office.   Gene led a Team of US Marshalls in the daily protection of Federal judges and other senior personnel at the Federal Building in downtown Wilmington.  Upon retirement he received many accolades from Senior Judges, Staff, and a personal thank you from then Senator Joseph Biden (Vice President Biden).

Family was everything to Gene.   He was a wonderful Husband, the best Father, Uncle, Brother, Cousin and Friend to all!  

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Burns Maloney from County Down, Northern Ireland, which soon became Gene’s favorite place to vacation with his family.  He was once told he sang one of the best renditions of “Danny Boy” ever heard at the Laurels Singing Pub in Killarney.  

He is also survived by his son and best friend, Eugene John Maloney, adoring daughter, Maureen Setting, and her husband, George, who was not considered a son-in-law but a second son.

Also survived by his sisters-in-law, Kathleen Rogan (Alphonsus) and Nuala Rice (Edward), Northern Ireland, and Noreen O’Connor (Steve), Wilmington.    Noreen was like a second daughter to Gene – especially loved for her “baking.”   He is also survived by many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and wonderful friends both in Ireland and US.  

He is preceded in death just recently by his brother John (Coby), who he dearly missed.   Also predeceased by his brothers Edward (Eileen) and Robert (Patricia) and his dear sister, Marjorie “Sis” Whitmore (Shirl).    Also preceded in death by his beloved nephews, Gregory Whitmore, Brian Maloney and Kevin Maloney.  

Gene was an active member of St. Elizabeth’s parish, serving on the parish council for many years.  He loved vacations with his family, especially peaceful times at the Delaware shoreline on Rehoboth Avenue and at Old Landing Road.  An avid sports fan, he loved going to games and watching all sports, especially Notre Dame, the Phillies and the Eagles.  

It was said best by his niece, Jean Mary, “Gene leaves a legacy of love, caring, fun and hard work, as a great family head and youngest brother in a clan of Maloney’s who are simply the salt of the Earth!”

The family would like to thank the staff at Christiana Care and Fresenius Dialysis Unit in Newport.

Family and friends are invited to visit at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Pike Creek, on Wednesday, July 8, 2015 from 4 to 7pm.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Elizabeth’s Church, Cedar and S. Clayton Streets Wilmington, on Thursday, July 9, at 10am.  Burial will be in All Saints Cemetery.

 In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Gene may be sent to the Emmanuel Dining Room or the Ministry of Caring. 

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