Friends and loved ones remembered Case Western Reserve employee Christopher “Chris” A. Malloy Sr. Wednesday during services at Blessed Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Cleveland. A skilled trades worker specializing in HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) service and repairs, he was 56.
Malloy joined the university in 2003, and quickly became known for his friendliness. Colleagues described him as a hard worker with exceptional competence in his field. What stood out even more, though, was the way Malloy treated others. Whether purchasing a meal, wielding a wrench or just walking on campus, he always took the time to great people with a kind word and ready smile.
“Chris was always smiling and upbeat,” said Director of Facilities Services Gene Matthews. “Chris was a solid employee who could be counted on [and was] such a good guy.”
Malloy died Aug. 31 at his home in Euclid. The next morning his co-workers in Facilities Services gathered on campus to share their shock and sorrow. University leaders shared that counseling was available for those who wanted to talk to someone privately about their grief, and extended their own condolences.
Assigned to the facilities zone that includes residence halls in the North Residential Village, Malloy was just as outgoing and engaging with students. He made a point of saying “Hi,” and asking how they were, simple human gestures that seldom failed to lift the young people’s spirits. For undergraduates who regularly encountered him, the timing of his passing was all the more difficult. Just six days earlier, two first-year and two second-year students had died suddenly in a plane crash.
“My heart goes out to these young people, as well as all of the family, friends and colleagues who knew Mr. Malloy well,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Lou Stark. “Our University Counseling Services (UCS) continues to offer walk-in appointments on weekdays. Students also can call our after-hours emergency line if they need to talk to someone when UCS is not open. We are here to help any student who is struggling with any kind of grief.”
UCS is located in Room 220 of the Sears Library Building, and the phone number to call is 216.368.5872.
Staff and faculty seeking support can contact Employee Assistance Service (EASE) at 216.241.3273 or 800.521.3273. To learn more about the EASE program, visit its webpage on the human resources site.
Malloy is survived by his wife, JoAnn, mother Sherley Jones, and sisters Shyvonne (Bonnie) Paul, and Letricia Simmons. Those who wish to leave a message of condolence may do so on Malloy’s cleveland.com/Plain Dealer obituary page.