Donald Malinouskas Obituary
Donald Malinouskas, age 76, of Monroe, CT, passed away on January 25, 2022 in Monroe, CT after a heroic battle with cancer and surrounded by love.
Known for his kind heart, generosity, sense of humor, humility, and numerous innovative, life-saving advancements in medical technology, Donald was born on Christmas Day, December 25th, 1945 in Northampton, MA. He married the love of his life, Madeline Rose Giuliano, on October 20th, 1972 in Forestville, CT. An electronics engineer, he retired from Medtronic as Vice President of Advanced Platforms, Research & Development in North Haven, CT.
Donald loved cars, NASCAR, photography, 50's and country music, reading mystery novels, planes, the New England Patriots, and most especially his family. He could always be found playing, laughing with, patiently teaching or talking to any one of his six grandchildren, all of whom absolutely adored him. It was rare to spot him without one or two grandkids, at minimum, clamoring for a spot on his lap, some time with him at his workbench, or a special moment with Grampie. He was infinitely kind, patient, and funny, and he loved to demonstrate his affection through cooking and food. He was the best husband, brother, father, grandfather, and friend—who was loved beyond measure.
While growing up, Donald often had the chance to tag along on small aircraft trips in Northampton Airport through his Aunt Eva and visited Westover Air Force base religiously during their open house events, proudly wearing his sharpest outfit and brightest smile. He was so fascinated by the jets that he would even sneak there with friends to visit the planes off hours. This instilled a lifelong love of planes and dream to join the Air Force, so much so that he declined recruitment by the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis. Recognized with profound intellectual gifts at an early age, Donald was also passionate about electronics and opted instead to carve his own path, graduating from both Springfield Technical High School and Springfield Technical College in 1963 when he was only 17 years old. He attended his college and high school graduations within the same week. At only 18 years old and a college graduate, he fulfilled his dream of enlisting in the Air Force in 1964 and was proud to serve his country as a Staff Sergeant in the Vietnam War.
It was this same passionate, intelligent, individualistic spirit that allowed him to design and patent over 55 advancements in medical equipment and technology that has saved many lives the world over, including significant advancements in the pulse oximeter, fetal heart monitor, tissue compression, imagery in robotic surgery and a device to remove cancer with non-invasive surgery.
Donald is preceded in death by his brother Gary Bruscoe, brother-in-law Jerry Duda, and nephew Todd Duda.
Donald is survived by his wife, Madeline Malinouskas of Monroe, CT; daughters Kristen LaViola and her husband Chris of Killingworth, CT, Jill Negro and her husband Joseph of Wallingford, CT; sister Judy Duda of Agawam, MA; and brothers Jackie Bruscoe of Niantic, CT, Bobby Bruscoe of Palmer, MA; and his beloved grandchildren Jesse, Ariana, Isabella, Marissa, Bradley and Jeremy; as well as several nieces and nephews.
His family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 1, 2022, from 4- 8 pm and again on Wednesday, February 2, from 4-8 pm at the Spadaccino and the Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, 315 Monroe Tpke, Monroe CT.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, February, 3rd at St. Jude's Church in Monroe, CT with Father Gill of St. Jude's Parish officiating, assisted by Donald's brother-in-law, Deacon Joseph Giuliano. Burial will follow at All Saints Cemetery in North Haven.
The family requests in lieu of flowers donations be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation in Staten Island, NY. Arrangements entrusted to Spadaccino and Leo P. Gallagher & Son Community Funeral Home.
