Obituary of Walter A. Malec

Walter A. Malec South Plainfield - Walter A. Malec, 91, died on Monday, May 7, 2007 at Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center in Plainfield. Born in Oil City, Pennsylvania to Stanley and Anna (Idzi) Malec, he is one of six siblings. At a young age, Walter settled to South Plainfield, where he has resided ever since. Initially employed as a brakeman for the Leigh Valley Rail Road, he later worked as a presser for the former Middlesex Dress Company, Bruno's Dress Company, and Queen Dress Company. While working for the union at the various dress shops, he also worked a second job with the South Plainfield Board of Education as the head custodian. For many years Walt was a familiar face at the High School, making himself available 24 hours a day, attending to the numerous needs of the school from cleaning to answering alarm calls in the night. After many years of dedicated service, he retired in the late 1980's only to continue to work on a part time basis, before finally retiring in the early 1990's. In his younger years, Walter was the water boy for Amelia Earhart, when she flew into the former Hadley Airport. Walt was an avid fisherman who loved all types of fishing. He also hunted, and had enjoyed his time fishing with his children and grandchildren. He was known for having three passions, being an avid fisherman, eating, and knowing all the right spots to eat, and most importantly, being a devoted husband to his wife for 70 years. His beloved wife, Teresa (Cirigliano), died in July of 2006. Surviving are his two daughters, Jane Doherty and Patricia Kudrick and her husband Jack; his son, Anthony Malec, all of whom reside in South Plainfield. His beloved grandchildren, John Kudrick, D.C., Jimmy Doherty, and Teri Ann Doherty and his two great grand children, Taylor and Jack Kudrick. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 10, 2007 at 9:15 AM in the McCriskin -Gustafson Home For Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, New Jersey, followed by a 10 AM funeral mass in Sacred Heart RC Church, South Plainfield. Interment will follow in Holy Redeemer Cemetery, South Plainfield. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 9, 2007 from 2-4 & 7-9 PM in the funeral home.