George Nicholas Malec

1934 - 2021

Chief George Nicholas “Pa” Malec, a kind and gentle man was welcomed into his Heavenly home on May 11, 2021. Though tough to imagine, given his bearlike frame, George Malec was, at one point, a little child born on the southeast side of Cleveland on December 6, 1934, the fifth of six boys, to Rudolph and Pauline (née Divis) Malec. After graduating high school at Our Lady of Lourdes, a blind date with Kay Brown led to a blinding, lasting love, and the two married in 1960. In 1962, George entered the field of law enforcement as a modest auxiliary police officer for the City of Wickliffe. George was hired by the Willoughby Hills Police Department, where he rose through the ranks. The stern but gentle giant led the Willoughby Hills Police Department as Chief from 1985, until his well-earned retirement in 2000. During his tenure, George not only led the department, but also served as the President of the Lake County Chiefs of Police Association; Vice-Chair for the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) for over 20 years; served on the Lake County Narcotics Unit; and was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), once serving as president. George was an integral member of the Immaculate Conception parish community for 50 years, serving as lector, extraordinary minister of communion, and especially taking great pride as Head of the Ushers for over 20 years. He was recognized as a “Man of Honor” and even garnered the title of “Man of the Year.” Yet, in his eyes, George’s greatest career accomplishment was fathering his six children. He was first and foremost a family man who radiated with joy when able to share his pride of who his children and grandchildren had grown up to be. In their eyes, George, “Dad” or “Pa” will be always be remembered as one of the humblest men you’d ever meet; a kind soul, father and mentor, who exuded unconditional love. Survivors are Kay, his wife of almost 61 years; children, Mary von Carlowitz, George (Aven) Malec, Jeanine (Scott) Fontes, Gwen (Juan) Lewis, Nell (Dennis) Ginley, and Megan (Dave) Fennell; 23 grandchildren, Kyle (Allie), Clay (Asta), Connor (Sara), Tucker (Genevieve), Hunter, Graham, Winston, Jackson and Kerrigan von Carlowitz, George and Mackenzie Malec, Brandon (Ashley), Courtney, Christine and Sean Fontes, Zachery Malec, Jordan, Shaina and Colin Lewis; Hannah and Moira Ginley; and Amber and Jacob Fennell. His nine great-grandchildren: Harper, Finnegan, Seamus, Augustus, Ignatius and Evangeline von Carlowitz, and Daniel, Emma and Michael Fontes. “The hole he left in our hearts is huge, but his legacy will always endure.” Family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at St. Joseph’s Hall located on the grounds of Immaculate Conception Church, 37940 Euclid Ave., Willoughby. Funeral Mass will be held 10 a.m. Friday at Immaculate Conception Church. Burial will be in Willoughby Memorial Gardens in Willoughby. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, masks and social distancing will be observed. Arrangements are entrusted to McMahon-Coyne-Vitantonio Funeral Homes in Willoughby and Mentor. To leave condolences for the family or order flowers, visit www.MCVfuneralhomes.com.