Marion A. May "Malo"

Marion A. May, 98, of Canton, passed away February 6, 2015.

Born November 10, 1916, Marion was the last survivor of the eleven children of Domenico Di Maio and Caterina Minnelli who had immigrated to the U.S. from Santa Maria Capua Vetere, Italy. Marion was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Lucy (nee Frank/Di Francesco); granddaughter, Angela Maria; father, Domenico; mother, Caterina; brothers: Pat, Sam, Joe, Jim and Ralph; sisters: Antoinette, Rose, Louise, Carmel, and Helen. He is survived by his sons and daughter-in-law, Thomas of Columbus and Michael and Karen of North Canton; grandchildren, Stephen (Kelly) of Columbus, Angela Marie of Greensboro, NC, Michelle of Columbus, and Dominic of Clemmons, NC; brothers-in-law Nick and Fred Frank of PA and numerous nephews and nieces. In his youth, Marion was a newspaper boy for The Canton News. He was a 1934 graduate of Canton McKinley High School. He was an avid athlete on local baseball and basketball teams playing 2 ^nd base and point-guard. Prior to WWII , he was co-owner of the Canton nightclub The Slide Inn. He served as a Sergeant in the 27th Infantry Division of the United States Army from 1941 to 1945. Stationed in the Marshall Islands in the Pacific during WWII , he fought in the battles of Eniwetok, Kwajalein, Saipan, and Okinawa. In service he earned the Combat Infantryman Badge and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three bronze service stars and an arrowhead device to denote participation in an amphibious assault landing, the American Defense Service Medal, and the Purple Heart Medal for wounds received in combat on April 20, 1945 on Okinawa. Following an honorable discharge from the Army, he was owner/operator of the nightclub called Club Mirador in Canton. He was a photographer/florist for occasions such as weddings and anniversaries, developing his own film and providing his own floral arrangements for the celebrations. He was an accomplished cabinet-maker and wood-worker. He was employed by the U.S. Postal Service in Canton for 32 years until his retirement in 1979. Because of his hard work and dedication, he received a letter of commendation from the Postmaster stating the need for three to four men to replace him in his absence. He was a passionate fan of Notre Dame Football. In retirement he enjoyed his grandchildren and became an enthusiastic golfer. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the Sisters of the Congregation of the Divine Spirit, the staff of the House of Loreto, and Dr. Howard Metzger for Marion's care that extended his life. In accordance with Marion's wishes, there will be no calling hours. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on February 9, 2015 , 2015 at 11:45 AM Little Flower Catholic Church, 2040 Diamond St. NE, North Canton, OH 44721 with Rev. Fr. Leo Wehrlin celebrant. Interment will be at North Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted in Marion's name for House of Loreto, 2812 Harvard Ave. NW, Canton, OH 44709, and the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration, 4200 Market Ave. N, Canton, OH 44714.