Dempsey Executive, Industry Veteran Passes Away

Thomas D. Mallas, 73, Scranton, PA, recently passed away at home. Mallas worked for 55 years at Dempsey Uniform & Linen Supply, Jessup, PA, and served as the company’s vice president of operations, according to a news release.

Mallas, who passed away on Dec. 27, 2020, joined Dempsey part time during high school in the fall of 1963, where he was mentored by Pat Dempsey, who currently serves as company chairman. Mallas went through a long and rigorous training program, working in every department for several months. The guiding principle of Mallas’ management style was: “Somebody once said, ‘If you point your finger, there are always three pointing back at you.’ You have to use compromise and consensus all the time. You’ve got to look at the full picture rather than micromanage your little part of the business because you never want to look good at somebody else’s expense.” Mallas was long active in TRSA, and several other industry organizations.

A graduate of Dunmore High School, he received a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Penn State University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Scranton. He served honorably in the U.S. Army Reserves and retired at the rank of captain.

Survivors include his wife, Eileen; two daughters, Kristine Warren (Jason); and Kimberly Mallas; plus two grandsons, Troy and Kai Warren. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, Donor Care Center, P.O. Box 758540, Topeka, KS 66675-8540, or Hospice of the Sacred Heart for Alzheimer’s Patients, 600 Baltimore Drive, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.