CAROLINA BEACH — On Friday, March 31, 2017, his 90th birthday, Andrew Batisto “Andy” Malizio, passed away at his home.
Born in Florence, N.J., in 1927 to Vincenzo and Luigia Malizio, who were immigrants from Italy through Ellis Island. He was the youngest of three children. His family later moved to Riverside, N.J., where Andy attended Riverside High School and earned his life-long nickname “Muzzy.” He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, and later earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from Drexel University.
Andy met his wife, Helen, in 1950 on a blind date arranged by her sister, Jane, and brother-in-law, Jack Wilhelm. They married in Riverton, N.J., in 1953.
They settled in Delran, N.J., where they raised their family together. Andy dedicated his entire career to U.S. Pipe, where he served as a metallurgical/process engineer for 40-plus years, during which time he had many innovative patents in specialty pipe coatings that improved the ductile pipe industry. His continued loyalty took him to Pelham, Ala., in 1974, where he headed the research and development department in the Bessemer plant. The beach life called Helen and Andy to Carolina Beach in 2002, where they spent their retirement.
Andy was known by most to be the “family photographer” for many years and prided himself in capturing those special memories for all of his family.
He had a passion for vegetable gardening, which he inherited from his father, Vincenzo. His broad knowledge and love of astronomy made him the “go-to guy” with any of your constellation questions.
Andy’s amiable and charming spirit drew people to him and made loyal friends out of so many. With a genuine concern for everyone’s well-being, he strengthened the roots of the family connection and always made everyone feel so loved.
His ever-steady and calming presence was often punctuated with a quick wit and wry smile, which he never lost, even in the hardest moments.
Andy was preceded in death by his oldest son, Andrew Gerard, and is survived by his wife of 64 years, Helen; two sisters, Mary and Lena; four children, Cathy, Jim, Marie and Marty; eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
“Oliver-derci,” Andy.
A memorial service celebrating Andy’s life will be held in Carolina Beach at a future date and will be announced.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Andy’s name to The American Diabetes Association.