Joseph Peter Malish

With deep sorrow we announce the passing of Joseph Peter Malish, affectionately known as Joe or Joey, on November 5th, 2025. He was born in Bryan, Texas, to his mother, Tara Malish, on April 27th, 2006.

Joey was a brilliant young man who didn't know a stranger. He made sure of it, introducing himself with the corniest joke he had that day. To know Joey was to love him. His heart was full of love, and he wasn't shy with sharing. He lived up to Saint Therese’s prayer - “Unless you become as little children…” - spreading joy, faith, and the relentless charity of a child with children and adults alike.

He never spoke ill of others, and his zest for life, laughter, generosity and faith echoes on repeat in the memories of community after community.

He played football and attended dances for Coastal Christian Homeschool, leaving a strong impact on fellow students, young and old, encouraging them to be themselves. Even after completing high school, he stayed in touch and followed up, bringing candy and corny jokes. Joey was a jolly giant amongst them all, and a genuine friend.

He was an altar boy from a young age with his brother Jake, serving across multiple churches and communities, ranging from the St. Michael the Archangel Latin Mass Community to the local SSPX. He prayed hard and piously, the sound of his hand thumping his chest while saying the mea culpa echoing in hearts and minds. He was one of the first faces to welcome newcomers, queuing the best worst jokes for a new audience.

When he wasn’t an altar boy, Joey would lend his singing voice, was the first to fully learn prayers in latin, and lead with reverent presence during rosaries.

He had a curiosity for life, always wanting to know how things worked, tinkering, researching, taking apart and (sometimes) getting things back together. Joseph chased this curiosity into Del Mar College, getting an Associate’s with straight A’s, going for a trades job to secure practical work while he looked toward learning more in the future. His kindness meant he was always lending a helping hand, and never shied away from work, no matter how hard.

He leaves family and friends with big holes in our hearts, love and laughter to be cherished, and a large community and network whose lives will forever be moved.

He is survived with heavy hearts by his mother, Tara Malish; siblings Sophia Norsworthy, Jake Norsworthy, and Leslie Hermina “Mina” Hines; his grandmother, Carol “Mimi” Malish; uncles, Troy Malish and Luke Malish; Curtis Manning, who was a fatherly pillar of support to him.

Preceding Joseph in death is his grandfather, Raymond “Papa” Peter Malish, who was the Dad he needed growing up.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request that masses be said in Joseph’s name. Other contributions to help offset funerary costs can be sent to (giveinkind.com/inkinds/D5J3V3F). If you cannot or are not comfortable with online options, please reach out to Tara Malish at (361-425-6422) or email at taramalish23@gmail.com

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Winsteads’ Funeral Home. (361) 643-6564 www.winsteadsfuneralhome.com