He was born in Memphis, Tennessee on December 26, 1925, the son of Italian immigrants Louise and Michael Malvezzi. Louis graduated from Catholic High School in 1943, where he was Co-Captain of the football team and named to the All-Memphis 11 in 1942. Following graduation, he enlisted in the Marines, where he served during WWII in the Pacific theatre and the Occupation of Japan, rising to the rank of Sargent. Upon returning from his military service, Louis began his career in the Grocery Industry as the owner of Weona #97. In 1954 he married his beloved wife Ellen Griffin Malvezzi. Together they raised their family of four daughters and four sons. They were one of the founding families of St. Louis Catholic Church. After retiring from his own business in 1985 he began his second career with the Kroger Company. He was a full time employee in the meat department at Kroger’s Poplar /Houston Levee location at the time of his death.
Louis was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ellen and daughters Jasmine and Mary. He is survived by his sister Josephine Palazola and his six children, Ellen (Mark) Peterson of Cincinnati, Adella (John) Heard, Louis(Enarn)Malvezzi, Michael Malvezzi, Joe (Christi) Malvezzi of Dallas and Frank(Jennifer) Malvezzi. He is also survived by his beloved thirteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Friday December 14th, 4-7pm at Memphis Funeral Home, 5599 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38119. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial Saturday December 15th 10:00 am at St. Louis Catholic Church, 203 S White Station Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38117.
Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to St. Louis Catholic Church, St. Jude Children’s research hospital or the charity of your choice.
