Obituary of Thomas J. Malkowski
Thomas J. Malkowski 1932-2024
Beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Thomas J. Malkowski (Tom) died on October 24, 2024 while sleeping at his home of over 58 years in Lake Hiawatha, where he found the greatest comfort. He was 91 years old.
Born in Amsterdam, New York to Walter and Anna Malkowski (nee Kowal), Tom later moved to Garfield, New Jersey with his extended family. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp in 1950 and served with the Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Regiment in the Korean War until he was wounded in battle in October 1952. He was later awarded the Purple Heart medal. Tom was proud to be a U.S. Marine and throughout the following years he supported numerous military organizations, maintained his military-style crew-cut until his death, and always wore a U.S. Marine cap at home and wherever he went. He leaves behind a collection of dozens of caps with USMC emblems.
Following his military service, Tom married his wife, Barbara, and moved to Passaic before settling in Parsippany in 1966 where they raised their four daughters. After the birth of their youngest grandchild, Tom and Barbara devoted many years of loving energy and childcare until Barbara’s death in 2010 when Tom continued to assist with his granddaughter’s care.
Tom was employed by the former Continental Can Company in Paterson where he worked for over 25 years until the plant closed in 1980. He spent subsequent years working as a massage therapist at various North Jersey country clubs, health clubs, and YMCA locations.
Among Tom’s many interests were the martial arts where he achieved Black Belts in Karate and others styles. He practiced and promoted holistic living and medicine and the benefits of vitamin supplements and homeopathic remedies to all he knew. Tom was also passionate about cooking, primarily traditional Italian and Polish dishes. He enjoyed hosting and cooking for large family dinners at his home whatever the occasion.
Tom lived with bladder cancer and other ailments for many years, but maintained his fighting spirit and positive outlook until the end.
He is predeceased by his beloved wife Barbara of 54 years, sister, Irene Mangini, and brother, Fred Malkowski, and is survived by his four daughters, Doris Lambert, Terry Checke, Linda Glasse and Donna Malkowski; sons-in-law Robert Lambert, Adam Checke, and Jeffrey Glasse; eight grandchildren, and seven great- grandchildren.
The Malkowski family is grateful for the friendship and service of Luda Vescuso who provided daily assistance and loving care to Tom over recent years.
Visitation with the family will be Monday, October 28 from 5-8 pm at the S.J. Priola Funeral Home, Lake Hiawatha. Funeral services will begin there on Tuesday, October 29 at 10:00 am followed by entombment at Restland Memorial Park in East Hanover.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Disabled American Veterans of NJ.