Robert Joseph Malinski

On January 14, 2025, Bob – beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend – entered the kingdom of heaven, having no doubt been called to lead heaven’s own version of a grand, celestial “Sing Along”.

Bob was born in Chicago, Illinois on March 30, 1930, in a family struggling to make ends meet at the beginning of the Depression. He was the eldest son in a family that eventually numbered 8 children (firstborn son Raymond died as a newborn). Bob and his siblings endured many hardships during their childhoods but managed to survive and even thrive due to the guiding love of their beloved mother, Anna. Anna’s resiliency, love and deep Catholic faith was passed down to Bob and helped all the children survive the tough times. His mother also introduced Bob to a lifelong joy of singing.

Bob met the love of his life, Anne, when they were both young teenagers and went on to marry her in the summer of 1953. In an unusual move for the time, they drove to Phoenix for their honeymoon to visit with Anne’s relatives who had come to Arizona in the teens and early 1920’s. They both fell for the warm Arizona desert and upon their return to chilly Chicago, vowed to move west.

Bob was a gifted teacher who held a Bachelor and 2 Master’s degrees in Education. His first 3 years of teaching were in the Chicago Elementary School system where he taught Woodworking skills to special needs teenaged boys. This was always somewhat of a family joke because Bob was not particularly gifted in terms of working with his hands. He was always proud of the fact that none of his students lost digits while working with the machinery on his watch!

Anne and Bob were pioneers of the Malinski clan, heading west in early 1956 with toddler Dan and Anne’s father in tow. As kids we were so blessed that most of Bob’s siblings followed him to Phoenix, so we grew up with big family parties and surrounded by the love of the Malinski and Lowry relatives.

Bob started his Phoenix teaching career at Kennilworth Elementary School where he taught 7th grade for 6 years before transferring to the high school level where he taught 3 years at Phoenix Union. He was asked to be one of the American History teachers at a new high school being built (East High) where he spent the next 15 years until it closed and Bob finished his last 9 years teaching at Camelback. Thousands of children and teenagers benefited from Bob’s engaged teaching style over the course of his 36+ year career.

Anne and Bob thoroughly enjoyed their midlife and early retirement years and had opportunities to travel extensively. They were wonderful grandparents, investing time and interest with each grandchild. They spent many happy summers in their cabin outside Payson, hosting countless family members and friends and enjoying the country life together.

They moved to the Beatitudes in June of 2014 and began another enjoyable time, especially for Bob. He decided to jump into life there and became an active member of the Catholic Community, Men’s Club, and the Food Committee which gave feedback to the menus/service at the various restaurants on campus. He was everywhere on campus, talking to people and encouraging them. Bob took special note of residents who seemed lonely or upset and would offer to sit and listen to their stories and concerns. Together Anne and Bob performed in several of the campus talent shows where they often performed their infamous “We Had Some Chickens” song and routine.

Bob continued his passion for singing when he became involved in the weekly Sing Along. As named, this weekly gathering brought together anyone who loved to either sing or listen to singing. Bob faithfully participated for several years before being asked to take over leadership of the Sing Along. Under his devoted guidance, the Sing Along grew to over 30 residents participating weekly. Bob called at least that many members every Wednesday evening to remind them of the Sing Along on Thursday. Even as Bob grew more infirm with age, he still led the weekly event supported by wonderful guitarist Bill Chase and either Dan or Jim at his side.

Bob was a devout, lifelong Catholic with a special devotion to our Blessed Mother, the saying of the rosary and the power of prayer. His rosary was always with him, and saying daily rosaries a source of unending strength.

It is challenging to sum up Bob’s long, successful life in a few sentences. Bob was a man who lived his life serving others and providing for his family at every step of the journey. He taught us kids and many other children and teens how to be good human beings. His deep faith was his moral compass and the love of his dear wife Anne the guiding force through their 70+ years of partnership.

Bob truly excelled in his last years when he graciously accepted his infirmities and never let limitations dissuade him from trying to make everyone around him happier through his bright blue eyes, ready smiles, charming ways and ability to always lift everyone up through song.

Godspeed into the good night Papa. You loved well and in return were loved beyond measure.

Bob is preceded in death by his beloved Anne and survived by children Dan (Cyndy), Susan (Bill), Jim (Roxanne) Kathleen, seven wonderful grandchildren, three delightful great-grandchildren, and three loving brothers Gibby, Leonard and George.

Bob’s Funeral Mass, with breakfast to follow, will be on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 9 am in the Beatitudes Campus Life Center, 1610 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix AZ, 85021.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Beatitudes Campus Foundation at 1610 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix AZ 85021, with Bob’s name in the memo line. Gifts will be directed towards the Employee Appreciation Fund. Questions can be answered at 602-995-6136.