"Mr. Malcos was one of the best teachers I every had! After more than 40 years, I still remember how he would say the mind was designed to absorb and learn new things. May his memory always be a blessing. "
In loving memory of
Albert Joseph Malcos
January 24, 1921 - June 20, 2022
On January 11, 1944 the B-17 Bomber "Chief Sly's Son" was shot down over Germany. By luck and determination, Radio Operator Albert J. Malcos parachuted safely to the ground and lived to tell the tale.
Al spent the next 15 months as a POW in Stalag XVII-B. He witnessed some horrifying things as a prisoner, but he always talked about those final moments in the plane when it was on fire and going down and making the quick decision to jump. This action saved not only his life but was a pivotal moment in the lives of many others.
Albert Joseph Malcos, surrounded by his family at his home in Phoenix, peacefully passed away on Monday, June 20, 2022. He was 101. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Carol, and his four daughters, Vicky Holly, Debby Barry, Andrea Pietrenka and Mary Prochnow as well as ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. His son, Bobby, preceded him in death.
Al was born in New York, but at a young age his family moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he grew up, met and married Carol, and helped to raise their children. Al was a teacher at a junior high school. He loved his home in Edgebrook, especially his yard and hammock, and riding his bike through the forest preserve. Although Al adored his home and family and friends, Chicago would not be the final chapter in his life. In 2017, Al and Carol were whisked away to Phoenix where he spent his remaining years in the care of his loving family.
Al was fond of margaritas. He was a good napper, a studious and voracious reader, a kind man, a philosopher, a proud Grandfather, and a White Sox fan. He loved to get together for a Bears game on Sundays with his son-in-law, Tim. Al prized good greasy food-ribs especially-and to have a meal with Carol. He was a colorful raconteur and would often hold court capturing the attention of whoever happened to be in the room. Some of his favorite topics for discussion included: the war, travel, housing costs, bowling, baseball, kids these days, tips for a happy marriage, the daily schedule, his daughters, old movies, Vicky's household management and, most humorously, what to do when the conversation goes quiet. His answer: talk, say something, anything, just so long as the dialogue keeps on going.
For those unable to attend, the service will be live-streamed at the following link: https://vimeo.com/722753070
Tributes
"Both your parents hold a special place in my heart, as friends of my mother through our "growing-up" years. I remember trading grocery bags filled with clothes back and forth with your family and wonderful cook-outs at your home on Washtenaw (was that the street name?). Prayers and hugs to you all."
"Mr. Malcos was the most easy-going teacher I ever had. I remember his science class well, the first time I ever got an A. I remember he was the only teacher that let us chew gum in class. He was also very modest about his achievements and I've thought about him often over the decades. Dave Cohen"
"Mr. Malcos gave me the confidence I didn?t have in 6th grade coming into a new school. He didn?t know how much he helped me. I?m sure he leaves behind a legacy of kids who ate grateful to have been in his class."
"I had Mr. Malcos for a couple of different classes at Oakview Jr. High in Skokie, IL., in the late ?70?s. I remember Mr. Malcos as a kind, no nonsense, but also humorous teacher. I always enjoyed being in his classes. One particular memory that sticks in my mind was his ever-present thermos of coffee and that coffee aroma around his desk. Mazel Tov for living 101 years, and may he Rest In Peace."
"Mr. Malcos was a mensch. My 6th grade experience was horrific. But Mr. Malcos was my savior in so many ways. His class was awesome and I often enjoyed spending my recess time with him working on projects. He was a superhero in my world and was adored by all. Hashem has a special seat near him at his heavenly dining table. His memory is a blessing to all who knew him. "
"Mr. Malcos was my 6th grade science teacher at Oakview Junior High in Skokie. . He was always very nice and made the class enjoyable. RIP ? "
"RIP Mr. Malcos. You have me the opportunity to be a teachers assistant and was probably the 3rd person that put faith in me that I'd support the person/people I'd work for. Thank you sir, for your sense of humor, your candor, your everything. I miss you"
"Mr. Malcos was my 6th grade science teacher at Oakview Junior High School in Skokie, Illinois. He was always very nice and humorous while teaching us. He made his class very enjoyable. He never talked about his WW2 service and heroism. While understanding his modesty, I wish that we students had somehow known at the time what a hero we had teaching us."
"The service was a lovely tribute to a life well lived and a clear legacy established. It told the story of a courageous man who knew how to love and was loved deeply in return. His legacy lives on through the many relationships he developed most importantly his daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Al loved Carol with a fierceness and devotion above all else. "
"Uncle Al was always the coolest. When I was around I always felt super at ease and comfortable. Great man who served his country. I still tell people he was WWII vet. "
"Getting old is a gift. I know it was hard for my dad to believe that- I guess because it was a gift to us. Love you dad and miss you. Love andrea"