Obituary
Richard Malanowski (“Rick”) of Altamonte Springs, Florida died on January 22, 2022, peacefully attended by his brother-in-law and nephew. He was 68 years old. Rick is survived by four sisters, one brother, five nephews, one niece and their families, and many life-long friends.
Rick was born in Chicago on August 15, 1953. He grew up in Alsip, Illinois, graduated from HL Richards High School and entered work with a mentor in the newly-evolving pool and leisure living industry. He flourished in that field, developing a career in pool design and installation. From the Midwest, he moved to California and finally settled in Altamonte Springs, Florida, where the swimming pool and spa industry had become a year-around industry, and where creative materials and designs could be employed. He loved his career and the idea of people maximizing their yards to become year-around entertainment for family and friends.
In addition to his career, Rick was a great aficionado of theatrical works, especially music theater. He was a season ticket holder for all the major theater companies in the greater Orlando area and regularly played the scores of productions in his car, while commuting between job sites. It is no secret he was also a life-long Beatles fan, especially of the bassist, who he emulated since childhood, playing the electric bass.
In his later years, Rick suffered from medical illness and a spinal cord injury that left him in a wheelchair. But, even then, he continued his independence with help from wonderful rehabilitation services and friends in the community of Altamonte Springs, Florida.
Memorial services are being planned for Spring 2022 in Altamonte Springs and later in Chicago where his final resting place will be. In recognition of his life, we acknowledge that Rick greatly appreciated the public and private rehabilitation services provided in his community. Please reflect on the rights of the disabled and contribute to your local spinal cord rehabilitation programs to help keep your community disabled living independently, in his memory.
