Panamax released on its Web site Thursday the following statement about the tragic deaths in a car crash of John Maloney, 45, one of the company’s founders; his wife, Susan, 45, who was also a long-time employee; and their children, Grace, 5, and Aiden, 8:
“It is with great sadness that we report the tragic passing of former colleagues, John and Susan Maloney. The Maloney family – John, Susan, and their children Aiden and Grace – lost their lives on the night of Saturday, Nov. 28, in an automobile accident in Sonoma County, Calif. They are survived by John’s eldest daughter, Molly.
John started with Panamax in the late 1980s and quickly advanced to VP of sales and marketing. A natural leader, John’s enthusiasm and creativity were instrumental in building Panamax into an industry leader. Along with his partners, he sold his interest in the company in 2005 but remained in his position until 2006. He left Panamax to pursue a master’s degree in humanities and focus on his creative writing. In 2009, John acquired his master’s and completed a children’s book based on bedtime stories he told his children.
Susan started with Panamax in 1993 as human resources manager. With a quiet demeanor and exceptional sense of humor, Susan was a trusted confidant and advisor to the entire company for over 16 years. Susan recently left Panamax to spend more time with her children, pursue a career as a Pilates instructor and give more attention to her volunteer activities. A volunteer for the Sonoma Community Center, Susan recently led the two most successful fundraising events in the organization’s history.
John and Susan met at Panamax and were married for over 10 years, raising a beautiful family. They were caring friends, exceptional parents, invaluable co-workers and humble people that always put others first. They loved the arts and were artists themselves. They were fun, playful people who loved camping, the outdoors and doing things as a family – always as a family. If you were lucky enough to know them, they were quick to make you feel a part of their family.
John and Susan’s contributions extend far beyond Panamax or their beloved Sonoma County. All of us at Panamax are grateful to have had the privilege of knowing the Maloney family. They became close friends to many of us over the years and will be greatly missed. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to their entire family on their great loss.
Services will be held at 2:00, Friday, Dec. 4, at the Sonoma Community Center with wake to follow at Murphy’s Irish Pub.”
Two funds have been created to honor the John and Susan Maloney family. Donations can be made to:
Sonoma Community Center
276 E. Napa Street
Sonoma, CA 95476
OR
Maloney Memorial Fund
(for Molly Maloney, the only surviving child of John Maloney)
c/o The Exchange Bank
435 W. Napa Street
Sonoma, CA 95476
(707) 938-8358
Condolences and cards may be sent to the family via Panamax.
1690 Corporate Circle
Petaluma, CA 94954
E-mail Lori Bailey
