Joseph William (Bill) Malley was born on October 18, 1925, in Worcester, Massachusetts to Marie E. Vautour Malley and William O. Malley. He passed peacefully at age 99 on February 19, 2025, in Richland, Washington, where he and his spouse, Gladys, had lived for 63 years.  

Bill spent his early childhood in Shediac, NB, Canada. This was where his love for hunting, fishing, and everything outdoors began. At age 14 he moved back to Watertown, Mass, where he found school was challenging for a kid who spoke only French. He stuck with it until age 17 when he convinced his parents to allow him to enlist in the Army Aviation Cadets where he was trained as a pilot and went to B-17 and B-29 gunnery schools. He also served as an interpreter with the Free French Aviation Cadets.  

Taking advantage of the GI bill, Bill followed his passion for the outdoors by enlisting in the forestry program at WSU. Unfortunately, the job outlook for forestry workers was poor. His friend and classmate Lyle Boulange convinced him to try Pharmacy. With a Pharmacy degree in hand, Bill and Gladys searched Washington and Oregon for a drugstore to buy. They finally found it in 1962 on the corner of Goethals and Symons in Richland. Castleberry’s Drugs was Richland’s first drugstore, built by the government in the 1940’s. Bill changed the name to “Malley’s Drugs” and had that store for five years before it was bought by Densow Drugs. He worked for Densow Drugs until he bought the current Malley’s Pharmacy on George Washington Way. Bill had a steady following of customers – some of whom called him “Doc”. He treated them like family, opening the store after hours if one of them needed his help. Bill worked 60 hours most weeks but was somehow able to carve out time for annual hunting and fishing trips. Their home boasts several of his prized trophies. Bill and Gladys sold Malley’s Pharmacy in 1987. They spent their retirement traveling and enjoying their many dear friends and relatives. 

Bill served as President of the Atomic City Kiwanis Club and of the Benton Franklin Pharmacy Association. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for over 70 years and helped establish the Tri-Cities Hospice program. 

Bill may be best remembered by those who loved him as an entertainer and storyteller. He was a better than average magician, often showing his tricks to a circle of grandchildren. He had a profound sense of humor and a remarkable memory, always ready with a joke. He loved to play bridge, cribbage, and pool. He was also an incredibly talented wood worker, crafting many cherished keepsakes. 

Bill was predeceased by his oldest son, Michael William Malley. He is survived by his spouse Gladys Malley; brother Raymond (Josette) Malley of Hanover, NH; children Jo Ann (Victor) Poland of Trout Lake, WA; Kit (Daniel Morris) Malley of White Salmon, WA; Brian (Theresa) Malley of Richland; Tim Malley of Richland; seven grandchildren; and sixteen great grandchildren. 

Einan’s at Sunset oversees arrangements. There will be a service at Christ the King Church in Richland at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March14th. 

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to the Knights of Columbus.