Joseph Anthony (Joe) Malandra

Joseph (Joe) Anthony Malandra, 60, of Bluffton, SC, (formerly of Sycamore, Illinois) passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, following a brief illness on Thursday, December 25, 2014. Born April 16, 1954, in Youngstown, Ohio, the son of Joseph A. and Lena (Gianfrancesco) Malandra. He graduated from Chaney High School in Youngstown in 1972 and from Youngstown State University in 1977. Joe married Laurie Jo Holmes on June 21, 1980, in Sycamore, Illinois. Joe enjoyed a rewarding career in manufacturing operations that included nearly 23 years with Ideal Industries in Sycamore and most recently as Operations Manager for the G650 with Gulfstream Aerospace in Savannah, Georgia. He was very proud of his association with Gulfstream Aerospace and took great pride in his work. Joe was an avid golfer. One of his golfing dreams was realized in 2008 when he and his son, Joe, attended the Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, Georgia for their first time together. In the summer of 2013 he was able to realize his second golfing dream and that was to play Pebble Beach. Joe was a die-hard fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes, the Cleveland Browns, the Cleveland Indians and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Joe was a family man, having coached his children's sports teams beginning when they were in kindergarten. He loved every minute of it. Joe served as Past President and Board Member of Sycamore United Fund, Sycamore Little League Board Member, and was the Past Director and Advisor for Junior Achievement. Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Laurie, his loving son, Joe (Allison) Malandra of North Liberty, Iowa, and his loving daughter, Krissi (Matt)Prellwitz of Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, cherished grand-daughter, Gianna Malandra, his mother, Lena of Youngstown, Ohio, his brother, Lou Malandra of Littleton, CO, his sister, Maria Dlwgosh of Ashtabula, Ohio, nieces and nephews, and aunts and many friends. He was predeceased by his father, grandparents, aunts and uncles. The family will receive friends on Monday, December 29, 2014 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Sauls Funeral Home, 90 Simmonsville Road, Bluffton, SC 29910. A Wake Service will be held at 5:30 p.m. The family will receive friends on Monday, December 29, 2014 from 4:00 â