Richard Arlen Maletta

Richard Arlen Maletta, 86, passed away at Wesley Acres in Des Moines on October 7, 2021. Richard was born March 1, 1935 to Mary (Carccio) and Joseph Maletta in Centerville, Iowa. He attended school in Centerville and graduated from Centerville High School.

Richard entered the Army right after high school and made it his career for 21 years, serving four tours in Vietnam. Richard received several recognitions and medals during his 21 year career for extraordinary performance of duty and the Bronze Star for achievements in ground operations against hostile forces to name a few.

Upon retirement from the Army, Richard went to work for another 24 years for the United States Postal Service, where he was the recipient of the Golden Eagle Award for assisting a postal customer in a desperate time of need. He was honored for his act of heroism.

On July 9, 1960, he married Esmenia (Mening) Ravelo in Honolulu, Hawaii. They enjoyed 46 happy years together until her death in 2006.

Richard moved from his home in Longwood, Florida of over 20 years to Des Moines in 2015 to be near family. He loved traveling and volunteering his time feeding the homeless and spending time at his church in Florida helping with many programs and with services on Sunday.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Esmenia (Mening); his sister, Mary Antoinette “Toni” Kuzela (Lester); his mother, Mary and his father, Joseph.

Richard is survived by his nieces, nephews, cousins and many great-nieces and nephews all residing across the US and in Hawaii.

Services and burial for Richard will take place in Honolulu, Hawaii later in 2022.

Memorial contributions can be made to Wesley Acres in memory of Richard Maletta. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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