Joseph Mallen, 86, an executive at Boeing

Joseph Mallen, 86, of Newtown Square, a former president of Boeing's helicopter division in Ridley Park, died Thursday, Nov. 15, of heart failure at Riddle Memorial Hospital in Media.

A native of the Bronx, N.Y., Mr. Mallen was born on May 23, 1926, to Ukrainian immigrant parents. His father, Thomas, owned a bar in New York City, and instilled the discipline and hard work that Mr. Mallen relied on throughout his life.

A gifted student, Mr. Mallen skipped a year of school and enrolled in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology at 17. At MIT, he earned bachelor's and master's degrees in aeronautics and astronautics.

Mr. Mallen was hired by Boeing's helicopter division, and he worked out of the main plant in Ridley Park for 38 years. He rose to the rank of plant president in 1979 and retired in 1987.

"My dad was one of the first home-grown residents at Ridley Park," daughter Donna Gonze said. "The workers really liked him when he became president because he was once one of them, too."

Mr. Mallen also served two years Stateside in the Army during World War II.

An avid golfer and vegetable gardener, Mr. Mallen enjoyed vacationing at the Jersey Shore with his family. He was a devout Catholic and longtime member of St. Mary Magdalen parish in Media.

Mr. Mallen was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Emily, in 2003. In addition to his daughter, he is survived by a sister, Julia Taibi; and two grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 20, at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 220 Providence Rd., Media. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Mr. Mallen's name can be made to the American Heart Association or the Melanoma Research Fund.