Donald Maltese was born October 31, 1935 to Sam and Rose Maschera Maltese in Billings, MT and passed away in Helena, MT on March 14, 2019 of natural causes. At age six his family moved to Sidney to start the Snow Flake Bakery. He attended Sidney schools, graduating in 1953 after which he received his Associates Degree from Billings Business College. Upon returning to Sidney, he helped at the bakery, even after going to work at Richland National Bank. In 1957 he was united in marriage to Sharon Blomgren from which three children were born. In 1978 he purchased his own business “Happy Joe’s Pizza”, later changing the name to “The Depot” which he sold in 1989. 1990 found him in Bozeman as product manager at Wheat Montana but in 1992 he moved to Helena and worked at Helena Chrysler. In 2001, he was united in marriage to Sharon Zeller. After retirement, he went to work at Opie’s RV and Later at MT. RV. Sales were what he was happiest doing.
While in Sidney, he was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Richland Co. Fair Board, Community Memorial Hospital Board, Sidney Volunteer Fire Department, the Elks and Moose Lodge 639, Legion of the Moose and State Moose Association. He was proud of instigating the Helena Moose Legion Scholarship. He also loved to bowl, camp, fish and his dogs.
Don is survived by his wife, Sharon; three children, Tami Maltese, Nikki (Duane) Berube and Scott (Sue) Maltese; one stepson, Cory Zeller; two granddaughters, Jordan Maltese and Lexi Berube; a brother, Bud (Mary Ida) Oliver and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Dorothy Swenson; grandparents; in-laws, aunts and uncles.
A service celebrating Don’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 22nd, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. There will be a reception after the service at Moose Lodge 639, 4750 N. Montana Ave. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Moose Legion Scholarship Fund, PO Box 4418, Helena, MT 59602; make checks payable to “Moose Lodge 639” with Legion Scholarship in the memo. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Don.
Velma and Jerry Johnson says
So, so sorry to learn of Don’s passing. He was always so happy and had that great big smile and little chuckle. He supplied Grimes Motors with the very best cookies. Our prayers go out to Sharon and his family.
Kelsey Lee says
To the family of Donald Maltese,
I am sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in knowing that “Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18) With sympathy,
Cynthia Misner says
I’m so very for the loss of your father. I always thought he was a dynamic person when I knew him and his family in Sidney. I’m sorry Tami, Nikki and Sam.
David Johnson says
So sorry to hear of Don’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family.
Elaine Delamore Strand says
I worked with Don at the theatre in Sidney many years ago. Sympathy to his family.
Denise Marie Hayden says
Sharon read about Ducky this morning. I’m so so sorry. Love you both , yo and we had fun with him. u know I wouldn’t have the gotten the job at MTRV. He was the one that got it for me 12 years it lasted. Ducky was are scape goat Love you Sharon!!
Paul Quin says
Scott and Family,
Condolences on your Dad’s passing. Treasure the great memories of your youth with your Dad and together Celebrate a Life Well Lived.
Tim sobolik says
Ou r thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Nikki,tami,and Scott I will never forget the great times at Happy Joes. We had a great staff. We love you Tim and Susan Sobolik
Charlotte Unterseher says
Aunt Sharon,
We are so very sorry for your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. May your memories give you strength and peace.
Love,
Jeremy, Charlotte and family
Susan Proul says
Sharon I’m so sorry to hear of Dons passing. There were Many days in the dealership laughing and enjoying the “Reverends” jokes and adventures. May your memories fill your grieving heart with much love. May he rest in eternal peace.
Wally Cox says
Sharon:
So sorry to hear about Don’s passing. Don was always a joy to be around. Don will be missed by all who knew him.
Wanda Ernster Mitchell says
Sharon, A blast from the past here. I’m sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I’m sure he will be greatly missed by his friends and loving family. Speak of him often to keep his memory close.
Charleen (Coffrin) Eskro says
Have had Don who I always called “Sam” not sure why, just seemed to fit on my mind for a few weeks so googled him to see what was going on, and now I know. I could suppose Sam was my best friend, always loyal, always cheerful. We came up together in Sidney, same age, and later we met in Billings; it was not a romance but a close friendship. The family bakery in Sidney was a near daily after-school stop, and he worked so hard in that bakery nights. The last I saw Sam was at our 30th year class reunion, he looked well and was a cheerful as ever. This is my tribute for his family to whom most certainly he was dedicated, because that’s the way Sam was: For dear Sam, a blessed soul; “All lessons learned, all matters completed, all wonders revealed. Thank You God for the personage of Don Maltese who gave to all of creation his part.”
Charleen (Coffrin) Eskro says
*more* couldn’t sleep, thinking about “Sam” ~ believe what I loved about him the most was he never scrutinized, never complained, didn’t gossip, he honored choices, and he sure had a work ethic for which I hope he was rewarded. You are missed my friend; God’s Blessings to you in Spirit.