Retired Waltham City Clerk Russ Malone Dies

WALTHAM, MA — Retired city clerk Rosario "Russ" Malone passed away over the weekend. Malone served the city for more than two decades as both a city councilor and city clerk.

Malone had many friends, including Bob Waddick who was appointed Waltham Clerk to after Malone stepped down. Waddick worked with Russ over many years as a colleague on the city council and then as a city councilor while he was City Clerk.

"Russ was a dear friend very supportive of anything I ever needed as a city councilor," said Waddick. "There are few people that match the level of civic service as Russ Malone. Before he became involved in public life, he was involved in the community as a business person. He did as much as anyone I've ever seen in my life time in terms of charitable work and just you know, the good things he did for so many people in this community over his lifetime. He was a very, very generous man. He was loved by many in this community, and he will be missed."

Assistant Clerk Joe Vizzard also only had good things to say about Malone, describing him as kind, supportive and as a calming presence in the office as Vizzard started in the clerk's office.

Malone took medical leave to battle cancer in December 2016 and announced he was planning to retire in 2017. The Waltham City Council recognized him in December that year.

Malone lost his wife Nancy of 42 years to ovarian cancer in 2015, but continued to serve the city where he grew up and raised his family.

Malone graduated from Waltham High School and ran two local businesses; Malone Trucking, and Formal Oil Company, which he founded in 1981.

He served as councilor-at-large from 1993 to 2001, and as chairman of the Finance Committee from 1996 to 1999. He also chaired the Special Committee on Public Safety and served on the veterans, community development and license and franchise committees of the city council.

In 2001, the council appointed Malone assistant city clerk, but a month later the city clerk he was to assist died suddenly, moving Malone into the clerk position. In 2009, he was elected president of the Massachusetts City Clerks Association.

"He has a long history of service to the community and was recognized by every nonprofit group I can think of as man of the year in Waltham - even before he was a city councilor and clerk. He was really loved in this community," said Waddick.

Patch readers and friends shared some of their memories of Malone's kindness on the Waltham Patch.

"As a new mom, Russ gave me his parking spot when I went in to vote. The lines were incredibly long and it was tough trying to navigate voting with a little baby in tow. He took me to his office and helped me fill out an absentee ballot. He ushered me around and made sure that I had a pleasant experience. I’ll never forget it or how kind he was to me that day," said Heather Smidt.

Several remember that Malone was often asked to MC events because of Malone's quick with and affability.

"People loved Russ. He was really a great guy," said Waddick.

Malone leaves behind his daughters Tracy Malone-Black and her husband Corey Black of Billerica, and Cara Malone of Waltham and two grandchildren Bryn and Bowen.

"His quick wit was really unmatched. He was really very, very quick. What ever he did he did well and with a sense of humor," said Waddick.

• Did you know Malone? Tell us a story about him email jenna.fisher@Patch.com

The celebration for Malone when he retired:

Waltham City Clerk Russ Malone To Retire

Photo at top courtesy Waltham City Hall