CAPE ELIZABETH — John Edward Maley, 65, died unexpectedly at his home on Aug. 26.

Maley was born in Portland, the son of John (Jack) and Josephine Maley.

He grew up on Munjoy Hill and attended local schools including Cheverus High School and the University of Southern Maine, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. He was a member of the Andrews Sabres Drum and Bugle Corps.

Maley went on to teach at Cheverus as well as John Bapst Memorial High School in Bangor. He also worked at Fiber Materials in Biddeford, S.D. Warren Co. in Westbrook, Pioneer Plastics in Auburn, Hussey Seating in North Berwick and IDEXX Laboratories in Westbrook.

Maley enjoyed surfing since the ’60s, and loved anything involving the ocean, a lake, a pond, a pool or any body of water. He traveled to Hawaii frequently and Oahu was his favorite island. He also made an annual trip to Bear Pond, which held fond childhood memories for him. Maley was a lifetime member of the Surfrider Foundation.

In addition, he enjoyed gardening, kayaking, biking, participating in track and field events and spending time with his wife, Debby, his daughter, Alisa, and his granddaughter, Mahkala. He also spent time sharing emails and phone calls with his sister, Jackie, and playing Trivial Pursuit with his good friends, Bob and Phyllis Hanavan.

Maley was known for his corny jokes, eye-rolling puns, and being a stickler for proper grammar. He put other feelings ahead of his own and made a special effort to be gentle, because he knew his 6’8” frame made him appear intimidating.

He is predeceased by his mother and father.

Maley is survived by his wife, Debby; his daughter, Alisa; his son, Matthew; his sister, Jackie Picchione, and her husband, Tony; his grandchildren, Mahkala and Gavan; and several nieces and nephews.

To honor John and his lifelong love of surfing, friends and family participated in a “paddle out” in his memory Aug. 30 at Higgins Beach in Scarborough.

Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours on Friday, Aug. 31, from 3-4:30 p.m., as well as a memorial ceremony from 4:30-5 p.m. All are welcome to contribute thoughts and memories, and there will be a reception at 5 p.m. The services will be held at Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland, Maine.