Richard Arthur Malinowski

Richard A. Malinowski, age 66, of Voluntown, passed away peacefully Tuesday evening after family members said goodbye to their dearly loved husband, father, and brother. 
Richard, "Rit" to his friends and family, had recently retired from Electric Boat after 46 years of service. "Mal" was a first-class pipefitter who took enormous pride in watching his submarines launch when the job was done. 
There wasn't a sporting event that he wouldn't watch. However, none brought more enjoyment than those featuring his favorite teams: The Celtics, Red Sox, and The New York Football Giants. This was apparent by the collection of team sweatshirts, ball caps, and jackets he could often be seen proudly sporting. 
He may not have been a talker, but loved a good laugh and generated plenty. His sometimes dry, sometimes silly sense of humor was the source of too many fun family memories to count. In addition, he possessed a sharp wit that, when not employed in cracking jokes, was put to good use by breezing through even the most challenging crossword and sudoku puzzles.
Richard was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish and go crabbing. When the opportunity presented, he also swung a mean golf club. Born with a green thumb, he took great pride in his vegetable garden. Anyone who stood still long enough was sent away with an armful of that day's harvest. Rich was also a fearless tree climber who helped heat the homes of many friends and neighbors with countless cords of wood. A lifelong animal lover, there wasn't a creature for which he lacked compassion. None, however, touched his heart more than dogs. Outside of work, he'd often be seen sharing his truck's cab with his devoted fur girl, Maisey Jane, on their way to fields, ponds, or anywhere else she was free to run and play. 
Generous with every resource he had to give, be it time, labor, or money, Rit never hesitated to help someone in need. If he learned a family member, friend, or neighbor needed help, he'd be on their doorstep before they even had a chance to ask the favor. 
Richard leaves behind the love of his life, his wife of 35 years, Alanna (Delaporta) Malinowski of Voluntown; his three children who filled him with incredible pride: Lauren Malinowski of Naples, Fl., Jason Malinowski, of Cheshire, CT, and Taylor (Malinowski) and Matthew Davenport of Amissville, VA. Their son, Oliver Davenport, made Rich a gleeful first-time grandpa. Richard was a brother of Debra (Malinowski) and Robert Barclay of Lisbon, CT,  and Robert Malinowski, also of Lisbon. Rit was also a much-loved bonus brother to Alanna's siblings: Neal, Gregg, Brian Delaporta, and Colleen Delaporta-Wells, as well as seven nieces. He is predeceased by his parents, Kolia Malinowski and Pauline (Miller) Malinowski, and his brothers, Raymond Malinowski and Kenneth Malinowski. He was also undoubtedly greeted by his beloved fur kids, Smokey, Keapar, Blaise, and Coal. 
He is best remembered for living in alignment with three essential values: working hard, caring for your family, and treating everyone with kindness. 
Calling hours are Saturday, October 29, from 5:00-7:00 at Gagne-Piechowski Funeral Home, 490 Voluntown Road, Griswold, CT. In addition, a reception and celebration of his life will be held Sunday, October 30, from 1:00-5:00 at the Voluntown Firehouse. All are welcome to attend and share their favorite Mal memories with family and friends.
 

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