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Thomas Eugene Malloy

1942 - 2016

BORN

1942

DIED

2016

Thomas Malloy Obituary

Jun. 27, 1942 ~ Aug. 4, 2016
Tom passed away unexpectedly on August 4. He was born in Chicago, Illinois to Thomas J. and Berneice Mitchell Malloy, the youngest of three children. Tom grew up in Lisle, Illinois, and earned his bachelor's degree at the University of San Francisco, and his PhD in Psychology from the University of New Mexico. He was an associate professor of Psychology at the University of Utah for 43 years.
Tom was a teacher in every aspect of his life, always sparking the imagination of his students, his family, and his friends. He mentored and inspired everyone to explore their creativity, their intellects, and their best selves.
Tom is survived by his wife and partner of 42 years, Christine Mitchell, his first wife and mother of his three children, Diane Nordstrom (John); his children Beth Malloy (Jeff Clapp), Suzanne Malloy (Jake Jensen), and Tom; three grandchildren, Sarah Sovinsky (Brett Burningham),Thomas B. Malloy, and Katie Jensen: and one great granddaughter, Charlotte Burningham. He will be sorely missed by his two sisters, Barbara Gauger and Kathleen Kruse, as well as many adoring brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
A celebration of Tom's life will be held Tuesday, August 9, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at 1571 Michigan, in Salt Lake City. Friends and family are welcome to join this celebration, tie-dye invited. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to HEAL Utah.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Aug. 7 to Aug. 9, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Malloy

25 Entries

Ernesto Takayanagui Garcia

October 28, 2025

I am Ernesto Takayanagui, Toms friend from Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico. Tom was a great friend. We spoke many times. He was studying Spanish in Cuernavaca, and I was his friend, he lived in my home, I was hosto family. I remember Tom.

Margo Crane

August 4, 2025

Thinking of Prof. Tom Malloy and his family today with fond memories. He was an outstanding professor!

Steve

August 8, 2024

I TA'd for Tom from Intro to Grad-level Multivariate. I learned so much from him.

He rocked.

I remember the (military) guy in the basement of the Psych building loved Tom and had stories about what he found in his desk.

March 23, 2017

I went through graduate school at UNM with Tom Malloy. He was the first intellectual that I had contact with and often sat in awe listening to him talk about a variety of topics. We learned to ski together and did many zany things in the old days. We've lost a good man. My condolences to his family. Robert Feuge, Sedona AZ

Rhonda Foster

October 8, 2016

I am saddened to hear of Prof. Malloy's passing. Just learned of it in the U of U newsletter yesterday. I will never forget his psychology class I took during my last quarter, till graduation, in 1996. He took myself and about 19 other students to Mexico (San Lois) to live for a month, immersing us in culture and learning and volunteering. His way of teaching was like no other and has carried me through all my life journeys.

Jean Elkington

October 8, 2016

I just heard about Prof. Malloy's death this week, so I apologize for the lateness of this message.
He was my first Statistics teacher while I was doing my undergraduate studies in Psychology at the University of Utah. Because of his teaching methods and his true caring manner toward his students, I had THE BEST experience in his class! I am now a graduate student at the University of Utah, getting a Masters in Statistics!
Prof. Malloy will be missed, but he leaves a great legacy!

Anonymous

October 8, 2016

Your knowledge was impressive, your style inspirational, your patience exemplary. Thank you for teaching me far more than stats.

Margo Crane

October 8, 2016

I just read of Dr. Malloy's passing in the Fall Newsletter. Dr. Malloy was hands down the best Professor I had while at the University of Utah. I've never before, or after, had a teacher that could make statistics and math seem so simple. It was a true gift. He was funny and engaging and took the fear of statistics away. Plus, if you sat for 15 min. and he didn't show, he was off to a Dead concert and there would be no class! Loved his tie-dye shirts! He was absolutely the best professor I could have had. He impacted my life greatly. He will be sorely missed at the U of U!
My condolences to his family and loved ones.

August 11, 2016

My Uncle Tom....I'll never forget his snicker of a laugh along with several other memories that stand out...., I dug out old photos for my mom so she could have her baby brother's pictures around her. I found a picture of Tom and me at G&G's 60th anniversary...at first I was perplexed...why did we look so somber and moody? then I remembered and started to chuckle.....oh yeah, we conspired to look like people circa 1900....(the old photos of long gone relatives)....no smiling, totally serious....this was the fun and silly sense of humor that I remember my uncle to possess...Another stand out was the time he visited my Mom and played the "old nutshell game" with my boys.....my Thomas, then 4 years old, never missed a beat.....found the pea every time.....brilliance seems to run in this family of "Tom's"......my Uncle and Grandfather lead that path quite well. Hugs and kisses to Chris and my cousins.....love ya Tina

August 9, 2016

Cousin Tom,

In my private thoughts, you were an inspiration to me through my troubled adolescence.

with love and great respect as always.

Joe

Rich Landward

August 8, 2016

Tom changed my life. I was a young and lost college student when I met Tom in his service learning class. He challenged me to explore my potential and find my passion in life. After our trip to Cuernavaca Mexico he continued to guide me in finding my purpose in life. I followed his footsteps and now teach full time at the University of Utah as a faculty professor/lecturer in the college of social work. Thanks Tom for being a guide and mentor. Good luck on your next adventure.

Victoria Alikhan

August 8, 2016

Tommy was always my favorite cousin. We visited the Malloys in Lisle often. Once when his mom Bea was washing clothes, he made me a wonderful breakfast of cinnamon toast! It was the first time I'd had it.
I will miss all his gorgeous photos on Google which he always emailed me. I will also miss him at family gatherings.

Victoria (Mitchell) Alikhan

Victoria Alikhan

August 8, 2016

When I was a child, I visited the Mallloys in Lisle often. Once Tom made me breakfast while his mom Bea washed clothes. It was delicious cinnamon toast. That was the first time I ever had it. He was always good to me, his cousin four years younger.
The Malloys were always the best!
I will miss all his gorgeous photos on Google that he emailed to me an miss seeing him at family gatherings

Victoria (Mitchell) Alikhan

August 8, 2016

Tom Malloy, a true "mensch". Kind hearted, curious, a person on the path. my love to Sue, Beth, Chris, and all the rest of the family. Love, Steve Gilligan

Matt Graham

August 8, 2016

Thanks you Tom, for giving me an amazing start on my professional life, for believing in me and letting me be creative. And for introducing me to some truly lovely books, ideas, and ways to think. Mentor and friend, you will be missed.

Carol Sansone

August 8, 2016

Tom cared passionately about teaching, and he helped thousands of students discover that they could indeed learn statistics! He was at the forefront of online learning, and helped to shape what became best practices in helping students learn in this new context. Our department (Psychology) at the University of Utah was very fortunate to have Tom as a colleague. My condolences to all the family.

Thomas (T.R.) Brooks

August 8, 2016

Tom changed my life. I had always intended to study humanities or art, but as my teacher, Tom showed me the humanity and art within science and nature, and today I'm a scientist and a naturalist.

August 7, 2016

Several year's ago Uncle Tom called "...to wish me a Merry Christmas..." He put such a smile on my face and surprise in my voice as I profusely thanked him for reaching out. We were not in the habit of sending cards or making phone calls to each other so you can imagine my absolute delight. For me it gave new meaning to "reach out and touch someone." He touched me more than he'll know.
I hear Uncle Tom's laugh every time I hear Ryan Blake laugh!
Rose Burghard, niece

August 7, 2016

Flying in your dreams is no longer interrupted by the daily task of living a human life. Thank you for being an important person in my life and in my children's life, Thomas and Sarah. Say hi to Jerry for me, tell him to feel better as I dreamed of him and I did not share that dream with you.

In the secret space of dreams, where I dreaming lay amazed,
When the secrets all are told, and the petals all unfold.
When there was no dream of mine, you dreamed of me.

Light, prayers, and love out to Chris, Beth, Tom and Sue and the extended family members at this time of loss.

Lynn Loyola

August 6, 2016

In 1993 I wrote a letter in support of Tom being awarded Professor of the Year by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. I wrote" Dr. Malloy exemplifies what an educator can contribute to a students educational process. He helps them unfold the dreams of their future and supports their curiosity and and eagerness to discover knowledge. Dr. Malloy changed my life." These words remain true today.

Tom you were a great mentor, friend, fellow traveler and guide. I miss you. My condolences to your family and loved ones.

Jeanine Ford

August 6, 2016

I love you so much, Uncle Tom. I wish peace and comfort for your Christine and Beth, Sue and Tom as well as your grandchildren. You were loved more than you know.

Marlena Lambert

August 6, 2016

I will miss his insight, his curiosity, and his joyful serenity. He certainly encouraged my own insight, curiosity and joy. I truly enjoyed working with him. Peace be with him, and with all his family and friends:
"If I knew the way, I would take you home."

Timothy Severns

August 6, 2016

Happy trails, buddy! Save me a spot on the blanket down front until I get there.

Dianne Blake

August 6, 2016

Tom has filled me with joy from my earliest memories to now. I feel so lucky to have had such a wonderful person touch my life. He seemed to always see the very best in any situation and his gentleness and laughter will forever be a part of me. He will be missed and he will continue to be loved.

Darryl Purpose

August 6, 2016

Just tripped across this stunning news while in Dublin. I remember Tom as brilliant, and fun. His book "Curtain of Dawn" sits on my shelf of about 12 favorites at my home in Colorado. Love and light to all.

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