Patty Maloney

Patricia Ann Maloney, 89, passed away on March 31, 2025. Affectionately known as Patty, she was born in Perkinsville, NY on Saint Patrick’s Day to Harold and Catherine Gunther Maloney. She was a beloved sister, aunt, cousin and friend. 

Petite with a large personality, Patty grew up in Winter Park, FL and was a born entertainer. Ambitious, energetic and talented, she began singing and dancing at an early age, and by 13 was touring with Ringling Brothers during the Summer. After graduating High School, she moved to New York to pursue her dream of being on Broadway. There she met and fell in love with Joseph Vitek, they married and together settled into a wonderful life in Chicago. Following the untimely death of her husband, Joe, Patty was encouraged by friends and family to return to show business. In 1971 she set out for Hollywood and never looked back.

She built a successful career in stage, television and movies that spanned decades. Patty portrayed lovable costume characters, “Honk” in Far Out Space Nuts, “Lumpy” in The Star Wars Holiday Special, and was the voice of Darla in The Little Rascals. She is most recognized for guest starring roles in iconic TV shows of the 70’s and 80’s: The Krofft Superstar Hour, Donny and Marie, The Brady Bunch Hour, Rhoda, Mary Hartman, The Love Boat, Charlie’s Angels and Trapper John M.D. Film credits include Lord of the Rings, Under the Rainbow, Swing Shift, Earnest Saves Christmas and The Adam’s Family. Patty also performed on stage with comedian Totie Fields in the 70’s and would return to live theater in 1992, producing and starring in her own one woman show at Hollywood Roosevelt’s famed Cinegrill. The title, “Tonight, I’m Right”, was a witty nod to her unique life and career in entertainment, as she weaved humorous casting call stories throughout song and dance.

Patty was born small (a little person) but we all looked up to her. She often credited her Mother (Kay) for never making her feel different or inhibited by her short stature. Throughout her childhood, with Kay often away from the home working, Patty (the oldest) was placed in charge of her siblings, numerous cousins and neighborhood friends. She was half their size but confidently ruled the roost. Courageous, generous and strong willed, she had an extraordinary life and accomplished everything she set out to do. 

To her nieces, she was bigger than life, a trailblazer, fun (and funny) and there for every milestone and more. She shared a special bond with her devoted brother, David, and it was David (with Nancy) who took care of her in later years when she returned to Winter Park amid declining health. She and her sister, Dianne were constants in each other’s lives, talking every single day until Dianne became afflicted with Alzheimer’s. Even in the most advanced stages of disease, Dianne would softly ask daily “is Patty here?” Patty connected with people in an instant, she was disarming and understanding of anyone’s lengthy glances, she would just greet them warmly with “Hi, I’m Patty”. She had the brightest smile, most infectious, sweet laugh. She was simply unforgettable.

Patty is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Edward Vitek, parents, Harold James Maloney, Catherine Frances Myrabo, step father Jerry Myrabo and sister, Dianne Rebello. She is survived by her brother, David G. Myrabo and wife Nancy, nieces, Laura Cardoso and Jennifer Mills and brother-in-law, Vic Rebello. Graveside service will be on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 11:00 am at Palm Cemetery, 1005 N. New York Avenue, Winter Park, Florida 32789. 

The family would like to thank the Mayflower Retirement Center for the outstanding care they provided Patty in the last years of her life. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Eisenhower Medical Center Memory Care Unit in Rancho Mirage, California or St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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