Name: Calling hours for Robert P. Malavich
Start: 2023-08-15T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-08-15T23:00:00.000Z
Location: O'Donnell Funeral Home

Former Director of City of Lowell DPD,

Lowell

Robert P. Malavich, 78, passed away Aug. 8 with family at his side after a period of declining health. Despite his health issues, Bob had remained active in shaping the direction of the city he loved and where he spent his life.

He was the loving husband of Anne (Donovan) Malavich, with whom he celebrated 48 years of marriage on Aug. 2nd.

Bob was born on May 5, 1945 the son of William Sr., and Sophie (Szuksta) Malavich, who predeceased him. Bob attended Lowell schools and was a graduate of Lowell High School, Wentworth Institute, UMass Amherst and Boston University.

He was a proud Lowellian and gifted city planner. He worked for the City of Lowell Department of Planning and Development for 34 years, and, in time, became director of the DPD. He loved Lowell and worked to make it a model for city planners everywhere.

His career as a city planner enabled him to get in on the ground floor of the creation of the Lowell National Historical Park.

Bob was a member of the Jaycees for many years and was actively involved in the construction of the Jaycee Place apartments on Bowers Street and the renovation of Rogers Hall as apartments. Both complexes serve older Lowell residents of different incomes.

After he retired from the City of Lowell DPD, Bob took a similar position in West Warwick R.I., but drove home every weekend to his beloved city and home. When he left that position, he returned full-time to Lowell and became a member of the Planning Board. He was still a member at the time of his death.

Besides his wife Anne, he is also survived by his daughter Erica Malavich McCumber and her husband Jonathan McCumber of Lowell; his son Daniel Malavich and his wife Lauren of Dallas, GA. He also is survived by his three favorite people, all of whom called him "Papa," his grandchildren, Juniper McCumber of Lowell and Donovan and Alina Malavich of Dallas, GA. He was the brother of Richard Malavich and his wife Donna, of Nashua, NH, and Thomas Malavich of Lowell.

Bob was predeceased by his brother William Malavich, Jr.

Friends may call at the O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST. in LOWELL, MA, on Tuesday August 15, 2023 from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Service which will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at ST. ANNE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH in LOWELL, MA, at 10:00 A.M. (Please meet at church) His committal services will be held at a later date. E-condolences/directions are available at http://www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in his memory to the Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust, 660 Suffolk St., Suite 335, Lowell, MA 01854. Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. O'Donnell, Jr. (978) 458-8768.

View the online memorial for Robert P. Malavich

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Published by Lowell Sun on Aug. 13, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Malavich

Sponsored by lowellsun.com.

11 Entries

Larry Ryan

September 5, 2023

So sad to hear about Bob's passing. We can never have enough people like him involved in the progress of the city. Someone who cares deeply about Lowell and always works towards it's continual improvement. With

Quest Lowell phlebotomists

August 28, 2023

So sad to hear of his passing. We all loved to see him & do his lab work! Such a great guy! Deepest condolences to the family.

Mehmed Ali

August 26, 2023

Sorry to hear of Bob´s passing. He was a consummate professional in a world which was often turned upside down in the fire of Lowell politics... A tireless advocate for the city and a champion of common sense he will be missed.

Bob and Eileen Ryan

August 16, 2023

Anne Marie,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Bob and Eileen

Zoe, Bendu and family

Planted Trees

Jim Campbell

August 15, 2023

I was sorry to learn of Bob's passing. I had the opportunity to work with Bob for 13 years and found him to be a true professional in everything he did. Bob played a role in every aspect of Lowell's great revitalization. I considered it an honor to appoint Bob to the position of Director of Lowell's Department of Planning and Development during my tenure as Lowell City Manager. I am sorry I will not be able to attend his services but I am recovering at home from recent heart surgery. May he rest in peace

Jim Campbell

Dennis Coffey

August 15, 2023

Anne, Erica and Dan - so very sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Bob was certainly a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. But you know that. What I remember most about Bob is his determination to do the right thing, and to help those least able to help themselves. A real public servant in the best sense of that term - and always true to his values. He had an ability to communicate with folks at all levels - be it a U.S. Senator, a small business owner, or someone in need of housing assistance. He will be missed and remembered for his good work!

Tom Grace

August 15, 2023

I met Bob when I pledged Phi Sigma Delta (UMASS Amherst) and we became friends and shared many good times. I had reached out to Bob several times and we connected while I was in MA. Great guy and brother! He will be missed.

The Bristol Family

Sent Flowers

Barbara A Droll

August 12, 2023

Dear Anne and Family: My sincerest condolences to all of you as you grieve Bob's passing. I knew him as husband to Anne and also as a Board Member at my beautiful residence of Rogers Hall.My Thoughts are with you.

Stephanie Brunelle

August 12, 2023

I love Bob and the Malavich family very much. They have been a second family to me, especially during the past two and an half years with losing my parents. Bob is going to be missed dearly but I´m so happy he was very close with his beautiful grandchildren. I always have and always will think of Bob when I´m on the Lowell river walk.

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