Gilbert "Gil" J. Malone

Gilbert J. Malone, known to friends and family as "Gil," was a man whose laughter was as contagious as his curiosity for the world. Born on February 13, 1945, in the bustling city of Milwaukee, Gil's journey through life was as colorful and vibrant as the gardens he so lovingly tended. Sadly, while embracing one of his many passions, traveling, Gil's final adventure came to a peaceful close on March 14, 2024, in the warm embrace of the Caribbean Sea, where he suffered a heart attack.

Gil, a man of intelligence and wit, charmed everyone with his encyclopedic knowledge of 60's and 70's music, his undying loyalty to the Packers, Bucks, and Brewers, and his knack for being the most interesting person in the room. He was the human equivalent of a Swiss Army knife—intelligent, handy, and always ready with an interesting fact or a perfectly timed joke.

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a major in Chemistry, Gil turned his analytical mind to the world of market research, where he made a name for himself at SC Johnson. But like a true Renaissance man, he didn't stop there. He switched gears and became a travel agent, combining his love for adventure with his gift for planning and detail. This career move was no surprise to those who knew him; after all, Gil was a man who could find common ground with a stranger and turn a trip to the grocery store into an expedition.

Gil's personal life was as rich as his professional one, filled with a family that was both large and close-knit. His beloved wife, Kathy Malone, stood by his side as a partner in both love and laughter. His brothers, Russell and Alan Malone, shared in the hijinks of his youth and the wisdom of his later years. His sister, Elaine Ameen, knew him as both a protective older sibling and a lifelong friend. Gil's warmth and humor extended to his nephew David Malone, and his nieces, Karen and Kim Gruszynski. Phyllis Gruszynski, his sister-in-law, and Howard Gruszynski, his brother-in-law, were part of the extended family that Gil cherished deeply.

A news junkie with a green thumb, Gil could often be found with a newspaper in one hand and a watering can in the other. His garden was a testament to his patience and care, a lush oasis that reflected the joy he found in nurturing life.

Gil's sense of humor was his superpower. He navigated life's ups and downs with a twinkle in his eye and a joke at the ready. Whether he was recounting his latest travel mishap or playfully debating which decade produced the best music, Gil's storytelling had a way of making you feel like you were right there with him, sharing in the moment.

As we say goodbye to Gilbert J. Malone, we celebrate a life lived with passion, humor, and an insatiable curiosity. Gil's legacy is not just in the memories he leaves behind, but in the laughter that echoes in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know him. His was a life well-traveled, well-loved, and well-lived. So here's to Gil—a man who taught us that the journey is just as important as the destination, and that a well-timed punchline can be the best kind of compass.

Visitation at the Max A. Sass & Sons Greenridge Chapel on Wednesday, March 27 from 4 - 7 PM. Private entombment at Arlington Park Cemetery.