Willett S. Malone

1933 - 2019

Willett (Will) S. Malone

Naples, FL - Willett (Will) S. Malone, son of Francis George and Anna (Sweigart) Malone, died on January 27, 2019 at age 85 in Naples, FL. Born in Philadelphia in 1933, he attended Central High School and graduated from Drexel Institute of Technology with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was proud to have been a member of Drexel's only undefeated football team. After graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserves, solving cooling issues for the USS Nautilus, the world's first atomic-powered submarine.

Will built a career in NJ and Wilmington, DE in the Heating and Air Conditioning industry, owning his own business for many years before selling it and retiring in 2003. He coached Little League and soccer in Unionville, PA while raising a family and enjoying life as a gentleman farmer. He was an avid and elegant skier, and enjoyed golf once the snow finally melted. He loved sailing. Ten years dropped from his age as soon as he took the helm whether on the Chesapeake Bay or the open sea. If the weather was good for a sail, it was also the time to fly his Piper Arrow. An excellent pilot, he and wife Jeannie had many adventures. After retiring, Will sold the plane and he and Jeannie moved to Laconia, NH. They restored the 125 year old Victorian she had owned when they married in 1990. As snowbirds, Will and Jeannie bought a home in Naples in 2008. They were active in their community as well as participating in the activities offered by the Parkinson's Association.

Will was a loving father to Christine Malone of Denver, Colorado and Dr. Stephen Malone with wife Robyn of Wilmington, Delaware, his children from his first marriage to Dr. Paula Malone. He was also a father to Jeannie's children Jon Martin with wife Erin of Bridgewater, NH, and Sara McFarlane with husband Clemente of Santa Fe, NM. He was "Grampa Will" to Madeline, age 18, Meghan, 15, Matthew, 14, Nora, 6, Jendaya, 6 and Ian, 2.

Will battled gracefully with Parkinson's Disease for over 25 years. A natural athlete (he was walking at 9 months), he slowly but inexorably lost the ability to do those things which gave him joy. With wife Jeannie continuing to care for him, Will had been receiving the support of Avow Hospice at home since November. Will has donated his brain to the Brain Endowment Bank for PD research and his body to Science Care for medical research. His family is so grateful for the compassionate care given to him by home-care companion Joann, as well as the outstanding care provided by Avow Hospice. Contributions to the Parkinson's Association Of Southwest Florida, 5926 Premiere Way, #114, Naples, FL 34109 would be appreciated by those who continue the struggle of life with that cruel disease.