VALPARAISO – Art Malasto, who led Porter Memorial Hospital for 35 years until his retirement in 1990, died Sunday at the age of 86.

            Mr. Malasto oversaw a growing hospital that today is building a new facility in Jackson Township between Valparaiso and Chesterton. He also was involved in the community through Rotary Club, the Knights of Columbus, the United Way of Porter County, the Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce, the Porter County Community Foundation and the Youth Services Bureau.

            Mr. Malasto also was appointed to the Valparaiso Ethics Commission and the city’s Park Board.

            In the early 1990s, Mr. Malasto played a key role in the creation of Valplayso, a community built and finances playground.

            Visitation for Mr. Malasto will be from 2 to 8 p.m. on Monday, April 4. The funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 5, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church.