Ozzie Malek, 71, a respected member and longtime supporter of Denvers Jewish community, passed away March 31, 2009, in Denver.
Rabbis Steven Foster and Selwyn Franklin and Cantor Regina Heit officiated at the April 3 service held at Temple Emanuel. Interment followed at Rose Hill Cemetery. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.
“While our dad was known for his sense of humor and ability to deliver a joke, his true ability was helping people and making them feel better,” said his son Charles Malek.
“He was one of those rare people whose first name could bring a smile to your face.”
Mr. Malek was born April 19, 1937, in Antwerp, Belgium. Along with his parents and sister, he fled Belgium two weeks before the Nazis invaded in 1940.
Although his mother went ahead to the US to find work after receiving her visa, Mr. Malek and his family endured a two-year journey through Europe, North Africa and Cuba before arriving at Ellis Island in 1943.
Mr. Malek attended yeshiva and the Manhattan Jewish Day School before graduating from Michigan State University.
In 1959, he went to study law at DU, where he met Helene Boxer. They were married in 1961 at the old HEA and then moved to New York City, where Mr. Malek worked in the diamond business.
After a few years, the couple returned to Denver to live.
Mr. Malek joined his father-in-law Max Boxer at Midwest Liquor and Wine Company and later became involved in the retail liquor business and real estate investments.
In 1971, Mr. Malek began his longtime association with the JCC. He held numerous board positions, including membership chair, health club chair and vice president of the executive committee.
He also was active at BMH-BJ, chairing the annual dinner twice. Mr. Malek also belonged to Temple Emanuel.
A strong supporter of Herzl-RMHA, Mr. Malek and his late wife were honored with the Neshamah Yeteirah Award on March 5.
He wrote his life story for his grandchildren, and it was published last fall.
Mr. Malek is survived by his children Charles (Kim) Malek and Julie Malek (Rick Kornfeld); and grandchildren Madeleine Kornfeld, Isabel Kornfeld, Molly Malek, Jacob Malek and Henry Malek.
Contributions may be made to the Denver Campus for Jewish Education or the Loup JCC.
