"Dear Gary, Lisa, and Families: Please accept my sympathy in the death of your mother and grandmother. I know my parents always enjoyed their time with Aunt Claire and Uncle Butch. I was honored to have Uncle Butch as my godfather and loved the twinkle in his eye for me. When we visited Fran Coppens, we looked forward to spending time with Aunt Claire and Uncle Butch. My sister's and I just talked about visiting Aunt Claire when we do a "sisters' trip yo Marquette in July. Our brother Mike was in Marquette and told us a friend said she had died. She was a lovely person and we wish her to rest in peace. Sincerely, Carol Quilliam Birkett"
In loving memory of
GEORGE L. (BUTCH) MALVASIO
June 17, 1916 - July 28, 2008
George L. "Butch" Malvasio, 92, of 222 S. Fifth Street, Marquette, died Monday morning, July 28, 2008 at Marquette General Hospital.
Butch was born on June 17, 1916 in Negaunee to the late Frank and Mary Malvasio. He proudly served his country with the U.S. Navy during World War II.
On September 5, 1938, Butch married the former Claire M. Coppens at St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette.
He owned and managed Malvasio Vending Company from 1961 – 1978. He also previously served on the board of directors of the Marquette Board of Light and Power.
Butch was a member of St. Peter Cathedral, a life member of the Marquette Elk's Lodge, a charter member of the NMU Golden Wildcat Club, and was a long time member of the Marquette Golf Club and the former Marquette Club.
Butch enjoyed the company of his family, golf, bowling, dancing with his wife and car rides around the "Island." He often commented that he had a good life. He will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Claire M. Malvasio; one son, Gary (Ursula) Malvasio of Big Pine Key, FL; a daughter-in-law, Nancy Malvasio of Jackson, MO; also 10 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild. Preceding him in death besides his parents was a son, Richard Malvasio; one sister, Ursula Wagner; also two brothers, Peter and Frank Malvasio.
Visitation will be held on Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Canale-Tonella Funeral Home where funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday with the Rev. Timothy Ekatis officiating. Entombment will take place in Northland Chapel Gardens Mausoleum.
Pallbearers will be all grandsons, Levi Ellis, Bryant and Brian Kerrigan, Elfego Peralta, Will Tull, Colin Roisum, Joe Pelto and Nicholas Rangel.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to UPCAP Services, 2803 U.S. 41 West, Suite 120, Marquette, MI 49855.
EULOGY PRESENTED BY MIKE QUILLIAM OF IRON MOUNTAIN, MICHIGAN AT THE SERVICE.
I have the privilege of presenting the eulogy for George Malvasio. However, this is a joint effort by myself and his granddaughter, Lisa who knew more of his background than I did. Hereafter I will refer to him as Butch, his nickname, which I was told means boy in Italian. His Mother when calling for him would say " Butcha Butcha, come home" and so all his friends started calling him Butch. His Dad died when he was two years old and understandably Butch spoke often of how he loved his Mother. His brother Pete who was like a father to him attended his football games and boxing matches (in the latter, Butch was undefeated).
Claire and Butch met at the Rendezvous dance hall when she asked someone for an introduction. So they danced and Butch always said "they have been dancing ever since." I remember reading a quote from a speech made by the President of Notre Dame University, Reverend Theodore Hesburgh, who said, "The best thing a man can do for his children is love their mother." Anyone knowing Butch will tell you that he dearly loved Claire and this tends to prove the statement by Reverend Hesburgh by the quality children they raised; namely, Dick and Gary.
Butch as you know had an outgoing, extroverted personality like we would all like to have. You seldom saw him without a smile on his face and a warm welcome for his numerous friends. He was a confident, versatile guy who was in a number of business ventures over the years that were all successful.
A measure of the man reminds me of a visit Butch and Claire made to Iron Mountain with their granddaughter, Lisa, who was there on business. We all went out to dinner at Fontana's restaurant before they left for home. Michelle Demerse just happened to be in another section of the restaurant and was leaving when she saw Butch and Claire and was so excited to see them since they had lived across the street from each other in Marquette. She was quite young at the time and would often be over at their house, accepted with open arms by Butch and Claire.
If golf is big in heaven I'm sure Butch has a perpetual smile on his face. His devotion to the game of golf was extraordinary. When I came to town to play with him he had already been on the golf driving range practicing for an hour like a professional golfer does, and of course, he proceeded to beat me regularly, handily and without mercy. I remarked to him recently that I nearly beat him one time and he snapped back saying "I must have been playing with one hand behind my back." We would kid each other on the course and one day Butch was about one foot off the green and he asked me to hold the flag so he could line up his putt but when he did putt he missed the hole by fifteen feet to the right of the flag. I told him, "Butch, you didn't need me to hold the flag for you, you needed a compass."
Butch definitely liked a good time. On many occasions he said, "I've had a good life." We will all miss him!
Tributes
"Sorry I couldn't be there on short notice. Many fond memories of Butch over the years, and a fond admiration of his work ethic, pride, love for family, and determination. A better man cannot be found and surely missed."
"Dear Claire and Family, I am so sorry to hear of Butch's passing. What a great guy. I will fondly remember his smile and the kindness he showed to everyone. He was a favorite neighbor growing up in South Marquette. Sincerely, Anne Erspamer(L'Huillier)"
"Grandpa will surely be missed. Sure enjoyed his life with us. What a great role model to have and to admire. I only wish that more people had the same love in their lives as we have had in ours. his heriem will miss him deeply. love always, The MALVASIO GIRLS"
"Marci, Lisa, Missy, Calee & Karie...Sorry to hear of your Grandpa`s passing. Know that an old friend is thinking of you & your families at this difficult time."
"memories of butch were alway happy ones. I've been around many alzheimers patients and he was the happiest of all, always making you laugh. Sometimes on purpose I would think. His most precious moments were being with his granddaughters, calling them his harem. Whenever we were out he always asked Claire, "When are we going home, to Negaunee"? She would patiently tell him we live at Snowberry at 610. He is finally home now and no more questions asked. This past Mothers day, while sitting around the dining room table Butch said."can I say something"? Never knowing what he might say we all listened mainly for a good laugh. He was in a serious mode and mentioned how happy he was to be here a a great family gathering surrounded again by his harem. That was definitely a kodak moment that we missed. Of course let me mention Lisa's, husband, Brian, who was alsways with us for strenght at difficult times for transporting Butch on all occasions. Butch will be missed by all. For his lovely wife Claire, no more back seats for her or holding open doors. She graduated to the front seat and now its her turn to be spoiled. She was a very loving wife who catered to her husband. So many good memories with much love remains with both of you. Love Sheila"