Michael A Malec

Michael A. “Mike” Malec, a resident of Newton for over 60 years, passed away
peacefully, surrounded by his family, on March 31, 2026. He was 85. A beloved
husband, father, and grandfather, he is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Myrna
(King) Malec, his sons and daughters-in-law, Timothy and Sandra Malec and Thomas
and Barbara Malec, and his grandchildren, Matthew, Maria, Will, and James.
Mike was the eldest child of the late Kazmer Malec and the late Josephine Malec, both
of Chicago. He was the cherished brother of James Malec and his wife Adrienne, Judy
Kelch and her late husband William, and John Malec and his wife KaryAnn. He is also
survived by ten beloved nieces and nephews.
Mike was born and raised in Chicago and was a graduate of Loyola University. He
received his PhD in Sociology from Purdue University. He and Myrna lived in Newton
Highlands for over 57 years and he was a professor of Sociology at Boston College for
50 years. He served as a member and the President of the Newton Board of Aldermen.
Mike greatly enjoyed travelling, politics, basketball (he was the player-coach of the
Dublin League champion Sutton Bay Sharks in Ireland in 1975!), tennis, and fishing. He
was a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan for his entire life and greatly enjoyed seeing the Cubs
(finally) win the World Series in 2016.
While things like his academic achievements, his amazing professorial tenure (one of
the longest ever at Boston College), his political work, and his love of sports create
some picture of who Mike was, he was so much more. A true city kid and not a man to
be trifled with, he carried himself with humility and grace, never posturing or spotlighting
himself. A man of few words, when he did speak, his voice carried great weight. A man
of great honor, he often took difficult stands, but never in a self-aggrandizing manner. A
man of great faith, he lived out his Christian walk helping the poor and the marginalized,
leading by deeds, not words. A kind man, he served others quietly and without seeking
reward.
Mike was a magnificent father, son, brother, friend, work colleague, and neighbor. He
and Myrna had a unique and amazing relationship, a mutual adoration that never faded,
not in good times or bad, not as the decades rolled on, not even his last moments. Their

blazing love affair not only never burned out, but it never even flickered or dimmed, not
over six-plus decades.
Mike will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He was a singular and wonderful man.
His life well-lived had enormous impact on a great many people; we should all hope that
it continues to do so.
Visiting hours will be held on Monday, April 6, from 4-7 p.m. at the Eaton & Mackay
Funeral Home, 465 Centre Street, Newton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated
on Tuesday, April 7, at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 1317 Centre Street, Newton.
Interment will follow in Newton Cemetery. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to
attend.

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