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NILES -- Geraldine R. "Geri" Malvasia, 92, of Niles, passed away on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born Jan. 14, 1933, in Topeka, Kansas, the daughter of Ray and Minnie Riddle Backus.
She was a 1950 graduate of Meriden High School and was employed as a Western Union teletyper at Forbes Air Force Base in Topeka, and at The Lordstown Depot. Geraldine was also a bus driver for the Howland Local School District for 29 years, retiring in 1998.
Geraldine was a member of Harvest Point Church in Lordstown, enjoyed reading, traveling to the beach, and sports, especially basketball and football. Most of all, she truly enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Her husband, Joseph M. Malvasia Sr., whom she married Aug. 10, 1955, died March 14, 2018.
She will be deeply missed by a son, Joseph M. Malvasia Jr. and his wife, Kathy of Green; three daughters, Cheri Wrobleski and her husband, Martin of Niles, Karen Mowery of Niles and Janice Buckler and her husband, Bruce of Niles; a sister, Gwendolyn McClurg of Meriden, Kansas; 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, Walter Backus and Bruce Backus; and two sisters, Leah Backus and Edith Beaty.
Friends may call from 9 a.m. until the time of the 10 a.m. funeral service Tuesday at the Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles. Burial will be in Niles City Cemetery.
Arrangements handled by the Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles.
Family and friends can visit www.josephrossifuneralhome.com to view this obituary and send condolences to Geraldine's family.
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