BENNINGTON -- John H. Maloney, 88, a resident of Dewey Street, died Monday, Dec. 26, 2005, at his home surrounded by his family.

Born in Bennington on Feb. 16, 1917, he was the son of the late James A. and Alma (LaFlamme) Maloney. He received his early education at the former St. Francis de Sales Academy and was a 1935 graduate of the former Bennington High School.

A World War II Army veteran, Mr. Maloney served with the military police as a member of the 9th Infantry Division. He was involved in several military battles and campaigns including Tunisia, Sicily, Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe. John received several military awards: the Good Conduct Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon and the Distinguished Unit Badge.

Mr. Maloney married the former Martina LaRoche at Sacred Heart Church in Bennington on Oct. 13, 1945, with the Rev. Compeau officiating.

Sheriff Maloney began his career in law enforcement when he served as a member of the Bennington Police Department from 1945 until 1947. In 1947 he was elected Bennington County sheriff, a position he held until his retirement in 1986. Following retirement, he was elected to the position of assistant judge of the Bennington County Superior Court, where he served from 1987 until 1991. He was a life member of the New England Association of Chiefs of Police. At the time of his death, he was serving as a member of the board of directors of the U.S. Army 9th Infantry Division.

A very active community member, he was a life member of Bennington Elks Lodge 567, where he was a past exalted ruler, Knights of Columbus Council 307, Fraternal Order of Eagles 1861, Loyal Order of Moose 1223, American Legion Post 13 and VFW Post 6471. He was also a longtime member of Mount Anthony Country Club, where he enjoyed playing golf, and a communicant of Sacred Heart Saint Francis de Sales Church.

Survivors include his wife, Martina Maloney of Bennington; a son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Donna Maloney of Bennington; two daughters and sons-in-law, Maureen Legacy and Bruce of Feasterville, Pa., and Kathleen and Gary Jelley of North Pownal; 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Lucille Hurd of Torrington, Conn., and Patricia McCormick of Simsbury, Conn.; three brothers, Edward Maloney of Hemet, Calif., Joseph Maloney of Pocasset, Mass., and Richard Maloney of Williamstown, Mass.; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. Mr. Maloney was predeceased by four brothers and a sister, James, Andrew, Robert and William Maloney and Marie Holmes.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, Dec. 30, 2005, at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart St. Francis de Sales Church in Bennington where the Mass of resurrection will be offered. A prayer service at the Mahar & Son Funeral Home at 10:30 a.m. will precede the funeral Mass.

Friends may call at the Mahar & Son Funeral Home Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. when the family will be in attendance. The wake service will be offered Thursday evening.

Burial will take place in the family lot in Park Lawn Cemetery.

Contributions in John H. Maloney's memory may be made to either the VNA and Hospice of Southwestern Vermont Health Care or to Sacred Heart School through the office of the Mahar & Son Funeral Home, 628 Main St., Bennington, VT 05201.

All members of Elks Lodge 567 are asked to meet at the funeral home Thursday at 7 p.m. to conduct services in memory of Mr. Maloney..

Published in Bennington Banner on December 28, 2005