Michael “Moose” Ignatius Mallini, age 73, a native of Mobile, Alabama, died on April 17, 2026.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Rita Vella Mallini; his brothers, Joseph Mallini, Jr. and Richard Mallini; his sister, Teresa Mallini Davis; and his nephew, Michael Taylor, Jr.
He is survived by his sisters, Angela Mallini Mooring and Rita Mallini Taylor; his nephews and nieces, Steven (Melissa) Dixon, Mark Dixon, Lauren Confer, Jennifer Lauer, Veronica Davis (James) Shandy, Sarah Jurenka (Les) Girby, Anthony (Amy) Davis, Kristen (Brian) Hazen, Anna Katherine Mallini and Joseph Mallini; his grand nieces and nephews, Thomas (Crystal) LeGros, Joseph (Katy) Markle, William Lauer, Nicholas Lauer, John Jurenka, Mallini Jurenka, Hannah Hazen, Christopher Hazen, Parker Dixon, Marguerite Davis, and Michael Davis; his cousins, Ginger Crabtree, Tony (Carol) Mallini, Thomas (Diane) Mallini, Lucy Mallini and Linda (Mike) Phillips, Paul (Cheryl) Albert, Nattalie Kinzer, and Ronald (Laura) Schwehm; along with extended family, friends, and shipmates who held him in high regard.
Michael attended Saint Matthew and Saint Mary Elementary Schools and McGill High School. He was a graduate of Theodore High School, Bishop State, Piney Point Merchant Marine Academy, and Calhoon MEBA Engineering School. He was a proud Merchant Marine, achieving the distinguished rank of Chief Engineer, a role that reflected his dedication, expertise, and work ethic. He later served as the Patrolman for Marine Engineers Beneficial Association, South Eastern Region where he was respected for his leadership, commitment, and tireless advocacy for his fellow mariners.
Above all, Michael loved his family and friends. He enjoyed the freedom of the open road on his motorcycles, exploring the world by sea, and he found peace and joy on Mobile Bay. His strength, loyalty, and larger-than-life spirit will be remembered by all who knew him.
Michael’s legacy lives in the lives he touched, the seas he sailed, and the family he loved so deeply.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 5:00 pm, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 1621 Boykin Boulevard, Mobile, AL, with a party to follow, in the parish hall. Burial will be a private family service at Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Sailors’ Snug Harbor, which advocates for retired merchant marines at www.thesailorssnugharbor.org or to Catholic Maritime Ministry, at https://mobarch.org/maritime
Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, is assisting the family.
Fair winds and following seas my friend and cousin. There will always be a place in my heart remembering you with great memories. We passed many a good time on the bay and at sea. You were a great Chief Engineer, friend and always brought laughter and smiles to our family, friends and co-workers. The “Moose” will be sadly missed by all family and friends.
There are good ships and wood ships and ships that sail the sea …but the best ships are friendships and may they always be.
May your soul rest in pease and may perpetual light shine upon you.
You will be missed.
May Michael find Peace and Happiness on His New Journey,
and the Promise of Eternal Life Be
Wonderful and True.
“Moose” and “Rip” I’ve known both of you since grade school. I will never forget the good times we shared. You both will be in my heart and prayers as long as I’m alive…R.I.P.
I knew MOOSE from McGill. He was a spirited person and full of life, I will miss you my friend and fair sailing for eternity.
The best motorcycle ride I ever had was with Moose. I loved eating Miss Rita’s cooking.! I love all the Mallinis!
You boys save me a place!❤️❤️
Rest in Peace
I remember a trip we made together on the old “STELLA LYKES” to Dar es Salam. There he gave a local artist a picture of himself whom in return carved a wooden bust of the ol’ Moose. Don’t what ever happened to that carving.
Moose, Rest in peace with your final “finished with engines”
your ol shipmates Dave stauter
David… I worked with you at Spotswoods with you and have never forgotten you…those were the good Ole days for sure !!!
Met “Moose” & “Rip” when they lived on the corner of Kenneth St. & Dauphin St.. Bought first motorcycle from them a little Yamaha 80 cc. One day long ago going east on Gov, St. , “Moose” sat on his motorcycle in the middle of Gov. St. , & I asked him what he was doing, his answer was “Just sitting here” . Missed by all family, friends, & all that knew them both.
Moose was the guy you were always happy to see!
Best shipmate and friend could ever hope for. We had some memorable voyages together. When fellow seaman were in tough straits, Moose always offered a helping hand. Wonderful family that enriched Mobile. It’s my prayer we’ll meet again surrounding Heaven’s Throne. Miss you my friend.