Nicholas "Don" D. Maltese

Nicholas “Don” Maltese age 85 of Canton, passed away early Monday morning. Born in Wheeling, West Virginia to the late Nicholas J. and Nina (Megna) Maltese he was preceded in death by his step-son Mark Studer, brothers John T. and Francis Maltese, sisters Dorothy Wakim and Kathleen Hoffman. Don served 8 years in the Reserve of the United States Marine Corps rising to rank of Corporal. Don was a member of the Stark County Board of Realtors since 1966, serving as chairman of every committee, President of the Board in 1987, and received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014. Don opened his own agency Maltese Realty Valentines Day 1977 which grew to include more than 100 agents with offices in Canton. Akron, Greentown, Louisville, Steubenville, Cambridge OH. Don also owned Florida’s Finest Realty in Naples & Fort Meyers. Don served as Vice President of the Ohio Association of Realtors 1992-1993 prior to developing neighborhoods Plantation Ridge near Sippo Lake in Perry Township and Glouster Village in Jackson Township. Don was involved in numerous civic and charitable community organizations over the years including President of Legatis, Councilman of Meyers Lake Village, member of several local Chambers of Commerce, Walsh College Advisory Board. Other community involvement included being a partner and vice president of the Canton Invaders professional soccer team and serving on boards of the Canton Club and Malone College. Don never met a stranger as everyone he met became a new friend. He enjoyed regular meet ups with friends for coffee and conversation. Don loved spending time with his large Italian family, laughing, and telling stories. Don is survived by his wife of 42 years Nancy (McClintock) Maltese, children Don (Mary Ann) Maltese Jr., Debbie Sweitzer, Diane (Jeff) Hessedence, Dave (Mary) Maltese, Doug (Pam) Maltese, Denise (Scott) Kyer, step-children Kim (Joseph) De Mangeont, Tracy (Cathy) Studer, 16 grandchildren; Tiffany (David) Welker, Ashley (Jim) Lindeman, Kimberly (Chad) Stima, Jessica Hessedence, Jennifer (Zac) Cox, Julie (Jake) Ross, Jacob Hessedence, Mindi (Andrew) McCormik, Mike Maltese, Melissa (Ryan King) Maltese, Sydney Maltese, Logan Maltese, Anjellica (Matt) Almond, Cassi Beard, Katelyn Beard, Ariadna (Nicholas) Kuemerle, Michael Kuemerle, 17 great grandchildren; Gianna Welker, Connor Welker, Cash Lindeman, Broderyck Lindeman, Maddox Lindeman, Francesca Lindeman, Ethan Hessedence, Liam McCormik, Kellen McCormik, Payton Almond, Aubrey Almond, Caden Almond, Jolene Stima, Adalynn Cox, Valorie Kuemerle, Jared Studer, Mia Studer, and brother-in-law Tom Hoffman. Family and friends will be received on Wednesday from 5 to 7 pm at the Rossi Family Funeral Home and Thursday from 10 to 11 am at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 11:00 am with Rev. Fr. Benson Okpara celebrant. Interment will be in Sunset Hills Burial Park. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Don's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

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