Charles Benjamin Mallia, Sr., 95, of Galveston, passed away Sunday, October 22, 2006, at Edgewater Retirement Home.

Mr. Mallia was born December 23, 1910, in Galveston.  He was a lifelong member of St. Patrick Catholic Church.  He was also a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

Mr. Mallia was employed with the Port of Galveston for 51 years as superintendent of loading and unloading.  He also managed the Grain Elevator.  Upon retirement, he remained as a consultant for the Port of Galveston for the next 5 years.  Mr. Mallia was instrumental in bringing to the Port the container operation and cruise ship operation.

Mr. Mallia was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, Elks Lodge, and Propeller Club.  He was honored in 1973 by the National Maritime Association as Man of the Year.  Mr. Mallia served his country by supervising the shipping of Army equipment and tanks to Korea from the Port of Galveston for the United States Army.  He was recognized by the U.S. Government for his actions.

Mr. Mallia was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Mallia; his brothers, Mr. Joe Mallia and Mr. Allen Mallia; his loving wife of 67 years, Giovanna Demack Mallia; and his beloved son, Charles B. Mallia, Jr.

He is survived by his daughter, Anne Elizabeth Nigrelle of Galveston; daughter-in-law, Sharon B. Mallia, of Houston; grandchildren: Kenny and Viki Nigrelle, of Bayou Vista; Michael and Jennifer Nigrelle, of League City; Michelle and Sammy Arcidiacono, of Santa Fe; Shannon and Ralph Lederer of New Jersey; Leslie and Phillip Nangle, of Houston; Charea Mallia, of Dallas; and Charles C. Mallia, of Austin; great grandchileren: Trea Nigrelle, Tyler Nigrelle, Ashley Nigrelle, Megan Nigrelle, Lauren Arcidiacono, Anthony Arcidiacono, Ariel and Timothy Nangle, and Samantha Lederer.  Mr. Mallia is also survived by his brother-in-law, Mr. Charles M. Demack, Sr. and wife, Vilma; and nieces and nephews: Mr. and Mrs. William E. Mallia and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Milisavljebich.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons: Kenneth Nigrelle, Michael Nigrelle, and Sammy Arcidiacono; and friends, Joseph Cram, David Bivens, and Marshall Paysse.

Honorary pallbearers will be Trea Nigrelle, Tyler Nigrelle, Reid Martin, and John Viggiano.

An Honor Guard will consist of Charlie’s loyal friends: Frank P. Williamson, Ross Novelli, Sr., Paul Attanasio, Ray Bockleman, C.J. Butler, Jack Collier, D.J. Crainer, Benny Hill, John Knust, Frank Macaluso, J. Murray Proctor, Sam Stathkas, and James Sutton.

Mr. Mallia’s family will receive visitors after 5:00 pm, Thursday, October 26^th, at Malloy & Son Funeral Home.  A rosary will be held at 6:30 pm, led by Father John Paul Flajole, OFM.

Funeral Mass will be 11:00 am, Friday, October 27^th, at St. Patrick Catholic Church with Father John Paul Flajole, OFM, as Celebrant.  Burial will follow the service at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to Edgewater Retirement Home, especially the third floor staff, for the loving care that Mr. Mallia received.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, P O Box 129, Texas City, TX 77592-0129.