John (Jack) Mallek

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of John "Jack" Ryan Mallek. Jack, age 22, passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 4, 2025, in Ithaca, New York, due to complications from Type 1 diabetes.

Jack was completing his final semester at Cornell University in Ithaca, where he was set to receive his Bachelor of Arts degree in May with a double major in Mathematics and Computer Science from the College of Arts and Sciences.

Born and raised in McLean, Virginia, Jack attended The Langley School and Longfellow Middle School before graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJ). At TJ, he was co-president of the Linguistics Club and an active member of the Drama Club, participating in productions such as *Mary Poppins*, *Monty Python's Spamalot*, and *Newsies*.

Jack had a deep passion for learning and a remarkable intellect. Fluent in Mandarin, he began studying Chinese in third grade and spent the summer of 2019 in Beijing. His dedication to mastering the language continued through weekly tutoring sessions until the week before he passed. He was also deeply interested in history, particularly historical revolutions, and was preparing to launch a podcast on the Spanish Civil War.

Beyond academics, Jack was committed to social justice and activism. He was an active member of the Young Democratic Socialists of America and volunteered with Stomp Out Slumlords in Washington, D.C., working to support tenants' rights. His compassion for others extended into every aspect of his life, as he sought to bring attention to injustices and ensure all people were recognized and valued. His favorite Bible verses were James 2:14-17: "...faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."

Jack had many talents and interests. He played the piano, loved to sing, and cherished time spent with family. He especially looked forward to visiting Canada to be with his cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. Above all else, Jack shared an unbreakable bond with his younger brother, James-they were best friends.

Jack's future plans included working for a year or two before pursuing a Ph.D. in Mathematics. His ultimate goal was to teach while continuing his advocacy work and helping those most in need.

Jack is survived by his beloved brother James Mallek (TJ class of '22), his parents James and Joy Mallek, his girlfriend Sievalee Wijayawardhana, his grandparents Harold and Norma Barker, as well as his extended family in Canada.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at McLean Community Center on Sunday, March 16, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, VA 22101.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Diabetes National Institute (https://www.diabetesni.org/how-you-can-help/), which funds research conducted by Jack's pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Douglas Sobel at Georgetown University; or to the Democratic Socialists of America/Metro DC Chapter (https://mdcdsa.org/join-donate/?dis=yes), which sponsors Stomp Out Slumlords.

For those who wish to share messages, photos, or videos of Jack, please send them to jackmallek.forever@gmail.com.

Jack's kindness, intellect, and unwavering dedication to justice will be deeply missed by all who knew him.