Obituary: Martin A. Malague, 97, former Diocese of Metuchen personnel director

A Mass of Christian Burial was held in the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, Sept. 9 for Martin “Marty” Malague of Rosemont, Pa., who died peacefully on Sept. 2 and who was described by his family as an avid suburban outdoorsman and family man.

Born June 3, 1926, in Newark and raised in Belleville, Marty was a graduate of Seton Hall University and earned an MBA from New York University. He also served for two years in the U.S. Army during World War 11.

Marty lived in Edison for more than 40 years and was an active parishioner in the Cathedral, Metuchen.  As a daily communicant, he was also a longtime lector in St. Francis, and, during his lunch hour, for noon Mass in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, New York City.

As a human resources professional, Marty specialized in executive compensation during long tenures at Reigal Paper, RCA, ITT, and then as an independent consultant, before proudly serving in the Metuchen Diocese as a long-time director of personnel.

Father Charles O’Connor, pastor, St. Cecelia Parish, Monmouth Junction, remembered Marty’s time in the Diocese, which stretched back to when the diocesan chancery was located in Iselin. He recalled, “Back in the old chancery you could often find Marty walking at a quick pace between offices, always with a smile and ready with a quick, contagious laugh.

“The lunchroom was always a fun place whenever Marty was there. He was such a positive person and a warm presence among us. While Marty was technically the director of personnel, as it was called in those days, he was so much more than that. He had an understanding heart and a willing ear for anybody who needed to talk about how things were going. People always felt uplifted after speaking with Marty.”

Father O’Connor shared that, while he had not seen Marty in more than 20 years, he was “saddened by his passing and joyful for Heaven’s gain.  May he rest in peace, a peace that he spread so generously among us.”

In retirement, Marty delivered for Meals on Wheels; served as a Eucharistic Minister at the Veterans Home, conducted home visits and sat on the board for the Interfaith Network of Care.

Marty was predeceased by a brother, Paul Malague. Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Mary Ellen (Grace); children Rose of Philadelphia; Peggy MacKay and her husband Doug of Charlotte, N. C.; Marty and his wife, Anissa, of Brunswick, Maine, and Katie of Washington, D.C.; a sister, Sister Rose Mary Malague, of Watchung; and sisters-in-law Margaret Ann Schoder of Frederick, Md., and Marianne Malague of Houston, Texas. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Chris and his wife Inara, Marty, and Joe MacKay, Jack, Eddie, and Molly Malague; and three great-grandchildren, Astrid, Marigold, and Birdie MacKay.

Reflecting on his passing, Marty’s family shared, “A child of the hard times and driven by his faith, Marty lived generously and gratefully counted his blessings literally every day. In his memory, we will try to do the same.”