Francis M. Mallee, Iii

Francis Michael Mallee, III, 70, of Galesburg, Illinois, died peacefully at home on July 17, 2023.

Frank was born October 18, 1952 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of Francis Michael and Mary (Vahey) Mallee. Frank earned his bachelor’s degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and his PhD in chemical engineering from the University of Delaware. Frank spent the majority of his career in food ingredient research and management, specializing in starch-based texturizing agents and spray drying techniques, first at A.E. Staley in Decatur, Illinois and then SunOpta in Cambridge, Massachusetts and Galesburg, Illinois before he retired in 2008.

Frank was married to Adele Louise Glessner for 40 years. She preceded him in death on December 28, 2014. On April 22, 2017, he married Becky Lou (May) McKeag at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Galesburg, Illinois. Frank is survived by his wife, Becky of Galesburg; two sons, Brendan (Oscar Flores) Mallee of White Plains, New York and Sean (George Schellenger) Mallee of Delray Beach, Florida; two step sons, David Michael (Amy) Scott of Riverdale, Iowa and Duane (Kelly) Scott of Williamsburg, Iowa; one step daughter, Janet Michelle (Kevin) Kintz of Bettendorf, Iowa; eight grandchildren, Dylan, Jacob, Cody, Hanna, Kel, Mikey, Serenity, and Lacie; and three great grandchildren. Frank is also survived by six brothers, Michael (George Benes) Mallee of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Edward (Lyn) Mallee of Glenolden, Pennsylvania, Thomas (Cynthia) Mallee of Middletown, Pennsylvania, Kevin (Susan) Mallee of Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, Vincent (David Sturgis) Mallee of Springfield, Pennsylvania, and John (Kathleen) Mallee of Skippack, Pennsylvania; and one sister, Maryann (Charles) Bowman of Garnett Valley, Pennsylvania. Frank was preceded in death by his parents.

Frank was an active member and volunteer at his church, Immaculate Heart of Mary and served as treasurer for the St. Vincent DePaul Society. He enjoyed gardening, classical music and hiking. Frank loved to read books and could always be found with a book in hand. He was an avid movie watcher and enjoyed analyzing them sometimes to the dismay of those with him. Frank was an inventor with four U.S. Patents in food science and liked to debate politics.

Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, July 20, 2023 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory. The rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 21 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Galesburg. Cremation will be accorded following mass. Frank’s cremated remains will be interred at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield, Pennsylvania on Monday, July 31. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Society of St. Vincent de Paul at 254 E. Tompkins Street Galesburg, IL 61401.