Obituary of William George Malchow

Known affectionately as “Uncle Bill” to many loving nieces, nephews, grandnieces and
nephews, William George Malchow, 94 years old, of Wantagh, New York, passed away
peacefully on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Born on July 18, 1930, to Mary Lamantia and George
Malchow, following his mother’s death at an early age, along with his two brothers Richard,
Bobby, and two sisters Enid and Kathy, Bill was raised on Long Island by his late father George
and stepmother Claire.
Anyone who knew Uncle Bill knew that he was a proud soldier who served in the US Navy
during the Korean War, that honor  was part of his identity until the day he passed away.
Married in 1957 to Patricia Elaine Colandone, the devoted couple had a long and loving
relationship. After they married, Bill and Patty settled in Connecticut, where Uncle Bill went on
to have a successful career as an aeronautics photographer at Avco Lycoming. After retirement,
he and Patty decided to spend their remaining years living close to her family in Wantagh, NY.
A strong, strapping guy, Uncle Bill was a big teddy bear. Bill enjoyed good food, traveling,
growing enormous tomatoes, doing physical labor, taking photographs of family, displaying his
Christmas collectables, reading intriguing espionage novels, but mostly he enjoyed spending
time with loved ones. Uncle Bill also loved talking politics, visiting with his brothers and sisters,
nieces and nephews, and fondly reminiscing about his time serving in the US Navy.
One in a million, everyone loved “Uncle Bill” and knew that he was a genuinely kind and giving
human being whose love and generosity was authentic, whose attitude was upbeat, and whose
presence was treasured by every person who had the privilege to know him. Even in his final
months, caretakers, doctors and nurses loved the man they all called, “Uncle Bill.”
Bill is survived by his devoted wife of sixty-eight years Patricia Elaine, his beloved siblings
Richard and Karen Malchow, Robert and Carolyn Malchow, Kathy Malchow and Enid Phelps, as
well as all their children and grandchildren, and dozens of nieces and nephews on Aunt Patty’s
side of the family.
Funeral arrangements for Uncle Bill will be held Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 12:00 pm – 4:00
pm at:
Perry Funeral Home
118 Union Avenue
Lynbrook, NY. 11563
A gathering for family and friends will take place afterwards.