Rev. John J. Malecki, 91

A funeral Mass will be offered April 12, 11 a.m., at St. Adalbert's parish, Schenectady, for Rev. John Malecki, who died April 3. He was 91 and had been a priest of the Albany Diocese for 65 years.

A native of Schenectady, he served as associate pastor at St. Patrick's parish in Albany, as an auditor for the Albany diocesan Tribunal, spiritual director for Mater Christi Seminary, pastor of St. Adalbert's parish in Schenectady, administrator of St. Mary's in Coxsackie, associate pastor of Our Lady of Mercy in Colonie, pastor of St. Margaret Mary's in Albany and sacramental minister at St. Matthew's in Voorheesville.

After earning his degree in psychology, he became director and staff psychologist for the Consultation Center in Albany. He also served as chaplain for St. Peter's Hospice and at Teresian House nursing facility in Albany and celebrated Masses at nearby Avila retirement community and at St. Matthew's parish in Voorheesville.

He was also a marathon runner and published research papers on physical pain and illness, end-of-life care and Alzheimer's disease.

As The Evangelist began recently to prepare for its annual issue celebrating priests who are marking major anniversaries of ordination this year, Father Malecki - who would have celebrated 65 years of priesthood next week - was the first to send information on his plans. He wrote that his most memorable moment was the day of his ordination, "when Bishop [Edmund] Gibbons imposed his hands on my head and I felt the joy of being united with the Apostles in proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ!"

He added: "In these 65 years of ministry, God has blessed me with the opportunity to follow in the path of servant-leadership of Jesus Christ, proclaiming the Good News, celebrating the sacraments with and for the people, experiencing a strong bond of love for the whole human family....With each year, my joy and satisfaction has grown with contagious laughter. I have yet to meet a person that I did not love."

That he was much-beloved in return has been evidenced by the number of Catholics who have said they are grieving his loss or have called to inquire about his funeral services. May his faithful service and infectious joy continue to be celebrated, on earth and in heaven.

Survivors include siblings Gerald of Springfield, Va., and Rita McPherson of Cary, N.C. Father Malecki donated his body to Albany Medical Center; interment will be at a later date.[[In-content Ad]]