Andrew "AJ" James Malone, 26, of Dempseytown, died as a result of a motor vehicle accident on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.

AJ was born on September 11, 1999 in Franklin Hospital and was the son of Perry and Brenda Fike Malone.

AJ was a 2018 graduate of Oil City High School, where he attended the Vo-Tech program for Automotive Technology. AJ played football for the Oil City Oilers and was proud of the nickname he was given: "Big Ugly." He said that it meant he was going to hit them big and that it would be ugly.

AJ enjoyed golfing, fishing and hunting, especially with his brothers "CJ" and "JR" and his special nephew "MJ". If you knew AJ, you know there were many stories after a day in the woods. He always had a joke and a laugh ready, usually at his sister Nicole's expense.

AJ was currently working as a Corrections Officer at SCI Marienville. He previously worked at Hedgedus Aluminum, Franklin Industries and JM Eagle.

Surviving are his parents, Brenda Fike McCool and her husband Jeff McCool Sr. and Perry Malone and his wife Kathy Speer Malone; sisters, Nicole Malone Hosier, Christi Culver and her husband Matt and Heather McCool and her husband Mark Sr.; his brothers, Charles "CJ" Malone and his wife Ashley and Jeffrey McCool Jr. and his wife Vanessa; his nephews, Mark "MJ" Groger, Perry "PJ" Malone, Caden Culver and Micah Culver; a niece, Cammi Culver; and his maternal grandmother, Ann Fike. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

AJ was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Willard Fike and Ronald and Sandra Umstead; his paternal grandparents, Robert and Kitty Malone; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

His family would like to extend a huge thank you to the first responders and everyone who assisted at the accident scene.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Friday, August 7th, at the Baptist Temple of Franklin, 4777 Old Rt. 8 Polk with Pastor David Foote, officiating.

If you knew AJ, you know he detested dressing up. Please wear casual clothes in honor of his memory.

He will be laid to rest at Heckathorn Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 312 W. Park St. Franklin.

Memorial donations may be made to the Venango County Humane Society or the Pinegrove Volunteer Fire Department.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting huffguthrie.com.