Eugene F. Malek, OFM

1923 – 1997

Fr. Eugene Malek, OFM, was born on April 19, 1923 in Jewett City, Conn. He attended St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y., and was received into the Order in 1945, professing temporary vows one year later. Fr. Eugene made his solemn profession in 1949 and was ordained in 1951.

He served from 1951 to 1956 at St. Anthony Shrine in Boston before moving to New Bedford, Mass., to begin an urban ministry at Our Lady’s Chapel. One year later, Fr. Eugene became an Air Force chaplain and served for five years in various assignments around the United States, as well as in Korea and Morocco. From 1962 to 1966, he served as director of maintenance at St. Bonaventure University in Olean, N.Y. Fr. Eugene joined the friars at St. Francis Chapel in 1966, where he enjoyed participating in the confessional ministry.

He died on Jan. 16, 1997 in Falmouth, Mass., Hospital. Fr. Eugene was 73 years old, a professed friar for 50 years and a priest for 45 years.