Thomas J. Malerba, age 63 of Salem died at Kaplan Family Hospice House, Danvers, early Friday morning December 28, 2012 surrounded by his family.

Born in Boston the son of the late Anthony and Rose (Sarro) Malerba, he was raised and educated in East Boston. Mr. Malerba attended the Samuel Adams and Donald McKay Schools prior to beginning his career in the textile industry. For over 26 years he was employed by Baron Abramson of Boston as renown sizer. He also enjoyed working on the loading dock.

More recently he had been an active member of the Lynn Pace program on Market St. For years he was a passionate and active gambler; he enjoyed his many friends at Dunkin Donuts and going to the movies.

Mr. Malerba is survived by a sister Phyllis Malerba of Salem; a niece Denise L'Heureux and her husband Joe of Salem; a daughter Kathleen Bendami of Revere, a grandson Zackary Malerba of Revere and a great niece Joelle and a great nephew Ross of Salem. He was also brother of the late Carol Ragusa formerly of Lynn.

His funeral will be held on Thursday, January 3, 2013 at 9:15 AM from the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St (cor of North St) Salem to be followed by a funeral Mass at 10:00 AM in St James Church, 156 Federal St. Salem. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:00PM. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. For online guest book or additional information please call 978 744 0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.