IN MEMORIAM: Thomas O. Malz, 88;
Korean War Vet Worked For Pan Am
EAST MEREDITH – Thomas Oscar Malz, 88, of East Meredith, a cargo handler for Pan American Airways for 36 years, passed away July 24, 2019, at UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich.
He was born on Feb. 22, 1931, in New York City, son of Oscar T. Malz and Louise Schroeder. A high school graduate, he served in the Air Force during the Korean War,from April 11, 1951, to April 10, 1955.
Honorably discharged, Thomas joined Pan Am, working there from 1955 until the company’s dissolution in bankruptcy in 1991. After Pan Am, he was a hall monitor at Mepham High School in Bellmore for 20 years.
Thomas was a Roman Catholic and parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in Merrick for 55 years before moving to East Meredith in 2016. For health reasons, he was unable to attend church for several years until May, when he was admitted to the Veterans Home in Oxford, where services are held on site.
Throughout his life, Thomas’ attention and energy was focused on his family. From his parents, two sisters, seven aunts and uncles, and numerous cousins to his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, he provided opportunities for everyone to know everyone else. He drove his wife and children all around to see family, spending most of his vacation time on those trips. His favorite stories were of his youth, playing practical jokes with his uncles and cousins.
He is survived by his loving wife of over 58 years, Grace Malz; his five children, Joan (Tony) Greco in East Meredith, Carol (Mike Empey) Malz in Davenport, Susan (Patrick) Mehr in Massapequa Park, Diane (Frank) Gregov in Merrick, and Thomas (Gina) Malz in East Setaucket; 10 grandchildren, Sarah (Daniel) Harrington, Cate McKeating, Emily (Jerry) Boyle, Michael Meaders, Nicole Mehr, Lauren Mehr, Aleksander Gregov, Grace Gregov, Thomas Malz, and Rebecca Malz; and five great grandchildren.
He is also survived by his sister, Rita Errico in Roxbury, Connecticut; cousins, including Dorothy Msadoques in Waterbury, Connecticut and Donald Hein in Rye; and niece Maureen Andolena in Naugatuck, Connecticut.
He was predeceased by his sister, Evelyn Malz; his brother-in-law, Lou Errico; his nephew Henry Errico.
A Catholic service will be at 12 noon Aug. 16 at the Hall & Peet Funeral Home in Delhi. A service will follow at East Meredith Cemetery. There will be no calling hours.