Daniel John Malesinski

Daniel John Malesinski, born on September 24, 1963, in Camden, New Jersey, to Robert J. Malesinski and the late Joan L. Coutant. He passed away on June 15, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and family.

A proud 1981 graduate of Greenwood High School, Daniel was a standout Varsity soccer player. Throughout his life, he carried deep pride in his athletic skills and his speed on the field, memories he always looked back on fondly. As a diehard Philadelphia Eagles fan, he shared the love for the game with his family throughout the years.

In March 1983, Daniel answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Army. As a Supply Specialist, young PFC Malesinski was deployed to East Germany, where he proudly stood guard at the Berlin Wall. He had a profound love for his service until he was medically retired from Active Duty in March 1985.

Following his time in the military, Daniel relocated to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area of Pennsylvania. There, he embraced one of his most cherished roles in life: becoming a father to his two sons, Daniel and Mike Malesinski, whom he loved dearly.

Daniel’s career as a stitcher operator for a printing company eventually led him to relocate to Gastonia, North Carolina. Little did he know this move would change his life forever by crossing paths with the love of his life, Zulema. On a beautiful Fourth of July in 2003, Daniel and Zulema were married. With an open heart, he welcomed her children as his own — Carlos, Alejandra, and Pedro.

Above all else, Daniel cherished his role as a grandfather. He leaves behind a beautiful legacy in his beloved grandchildren: Carolina, Junior, Angela, Blair, Blake, Bryce, Adrianna, Alexander, Andrea, Jacob, and Jaxon. To them, he was Grandpa Danny, their undisputed #1 fan. They will forever hold onto his signature declaration of affection: "I love you more than the dirt," a saying that never failed to bring smiles and laughter to the kids. These moments perfectly captured the depth, warmth, humor, and selflessness of his love for them.

Daniel is survived by his father, Robert J. Malesinski, loving wife of 22 years, Zulema; his children, Daniel, Mike, Carlos (Jami), Alejandra (Billy), and Pedro (Carolina); grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nephews, and nieces. He was preceded in death by his mother, Joan L. Coutant.

He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him, but his spirit, his humor, and his boundless love for his family will live on in our hearts forever.

A funeral service will be on June 24, 2026 promptly at 10:00 am at Fort Jackson National Cemetery 4170 Percival Rd, Columbia, SC 29229.

Flowers can be sent to Caughman-Harman Funeral Home - Lexington Chapel, 503 North Lake Drive, Lexington, SC 29072.