Obituary of Leonard Malewicz

Rotterdam - LEONARD A. "Lenny" MALEWICZ - A mischievous grin and the gleam of an eye will exist now only in memory with the passing of Lenny Malewicz on October 9, 2016 at Teresian House. Lenny was born on June 6, 1921 in Colonie, the first of two sons to Alex A. and Helen (Plaske) Malewicz. He graduated in 1939 from Mont Pleasant High School and in 1941 from the General Electric Apprentice Course. A sailor in the US Navy during WWII, he served as a torpedoman on the USS Prairie in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre, where he spent some time stationed in Japan. Following his discharge in 1946 he attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) on the GI Bill, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1951. Following a long career as a manufacturing engineer, during which he was the recipient of three GE patents, Lenny retired from the Large Steam Turbine Department at GE in 1980 with 38 years of service. Subsequently he worked for a time in Sears and as a car jockey for Hertz. He met his love and future wife, Olive Sabey, at a Catholic Youth League dance in 1947; they were married on August 13, 1949 at St. Joseph's Church in Schenectady. Lenny and Olive were founding members of St. Gabriel's Parish in Rotterdam, and Lenny was a charter member of the Parish Council and the ushers group. Lenny always enjoyed bowling and golf, and he was a member of the Edison Club for many years. He and Olive enjoyed taking drives on Sunday afternoons, especially when he found a dirt road to drive on. In 1958 their family expanded when they welcomed their daughter, Michele Ann, into their lives. Following a year in Phoenix, Arizona during the 1960s they bought the house in Rotterdam that they would stay in for the rest of their life together. Lenny was very handy around the house, and his precision and perseverance led to many home improvements over the years. He shared his many skills with Michele, who is very grateful for the ability to navigate a tool box with ease. After the birth of his granddaughter, Christina Elizabeth, Lenny spent many hours with her playing Old Maid and building with Tinker Toys. The apple of his eye, Lenny eventually taught her how to play chess. Following Olive's death in 2001 Lenny was content to watch sports, play bridge and beckon to the many people who surrounded him every day. His smile and sense of humor engaged many who worked with him over the years. In addition to the Edison Club Lenny was a member of the GE Quarter Century Club, the GE Apprentice Alumni Association, the Turbine Supervisors Association, the Elfun Society and the Young Men's Polish Association. Lenny was predeceased by his wife, Olive S. Malewicz, his parents, and his brother, Raymond T. Malewicz. He is survived by his daughter, Michele A. Cole, his granddaughter, Christina E. Cole, and many cousins. Heartfelt thanks to Andrea, Debby, Tia and all the staff on 3A in Teresian House for all your love, care and support for Lenny and Michele over the past three years. You are amazing. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Teresian House Foundation, 200 Washington Avenue Ext, Albany NY 12203. Funeral Thursday morn 9:15 from the Daly Funeral Home 242 McClellan st and 10:00 at St Gabriels Church . Interment Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery , Niskayuna . Calling hours Wednesday eve 6-8 at the funeral home . You may visit our online guestbook at www.dalyfuneralhome.com