Martin Maloney (philanthropist)


Martin Maloney was a Philadelphia businessman, philanthropist and papal marquis. By the time he was 33 he was regarded as an expert in the process of gas production. He played a role in the development of many Philadelphia gas and light companies.

Philanthropy

Maloney gave $120,000 in 1917 to construct the Maloney Hall at The Catholic University of America and an additional $100,000 in 1923-24 for what is today the building's 273 seat Della Ratta Auditorium. The philanthropist said he hoped the building would "help our Catholic young men and women rise to the level of the great opportunities, which our nation offers them". James A. Farrell, president of the United States Steel Corporation, was a featured speaker at the dedication.
In recognition of his many charitable gifts, he was made a papal marquis in 1902 by Pope Leo XIII. He was made a member of the Papal Household in 1904.

Personal life

He was born in Ballingarry, County Tipperary, Ireland, and moved to the United States when he was six years old. Maloney married Margaret Ann Hewiston of Carbondale, Pennsylvania in 1868. They had seven children, five of whom predeceased Maloney. He had two brothers, Andrew and Thomas. He lived in Logan Square and vacationed in Spring Lake Beach where he had a home called Ballingarry.