Jacob Malta, of New Britain, passed away peacefully at home, in hospice care, on Monday, August 9th, 2010. He was the husband of the late Josephine (Simon) Malta. Born in Wilkes Barre, PA on June 13th, 1919 to Bahia Louise (Amiouni) and Habib Malta, Jake was the second of five sons & one daughter. Enlisting in the US Army Air Force during WWII, he was stationed in India, Burma, and the North African theatre. During his service, he became what he remained the rest of his life: a humble, caring, benevolent, and extremely generous father-figure to ever so many. As a mechanical engineer, designing was his passion, and it was this passion that drove him to become the foremost designer of English hand bells in the world. His first breakthrough came when he obtained his first patent for his Schulmerich bell. Building on the success of his Schulmerich bell and after two years of working from his living room, he obtained the first of several new patents for a redesigned bell casting and clapper mechanism. These patents delivered improved sound quality and enabled him to start his own company, Malmark, Inc. in Plumsteadville, PA. To this day Malmark, Inc remains as the world’s foremost producer of English handbells and choirchimes. In addition to his wife Josephine, he was preceded in death by brother John, brother Michael, and sister Cathryn. Surviving him are brothers Phillip & Edward (Margaret) of Wilkes-Barre, PA, his daughters Lora Mohr of Bedminster, PA and Joann Malta of New Britain, PA , grandchildren Erin Schuback (Tim) of Philadelphia, PA and Derek Mohr (Adrienne) of Bedminster, PA, and great grandchildren Mia Mohr and Shane Schuback. Friends will be received Monday, August 16, 2:00 - 4:00 pm at the Shelly Funeral Home, Easton Road (Rt. 611) at Kellers Church Road, Plumsteadville. There will also be a viewing Thursday, August 19th, 10-11:00 am at Mamary Durkin Funeral Services, 59 Parrish St, Wilkes Barre. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Thursday at St. Mary A.O. Church, 905 South Main St. Wilkes-Barre. Interment will follow in St. Mary A.O. Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Doylestown Hospital or St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church at 905 South Main St. Wilkes-Barre PA, 18702