Andrew (Jerrry) Mals

Andrew (Jerry) Mals, 96, of Old Saybrook and formerly New Britain, passed into eternal life on Friday, December 13, 2024.  He was predeceased by his wife and best friend of 52 years, Margaret (Grip), on December 17, 2002.  Jerry was born in New Britain on November 10, 1928. Jerry lived in New Britain until 1989 before moving to Cornfield Point, Old Saybrook, where family always gathers. He was a charter member of St. Jerome Church, serving as an usher and coordinating yearly bus trips to Fenway Park for the Men’s Club. Jerry was a communicant at St. John's Church in Old Saybrook. Faith was very important to Jerry. All his children attended parochial school. He would pray daily and give thanks for what he had.

As a child of the Great Depression, Jerry used to shine shoes on Broad St to help his family.  Then he worked at Stanley Works and eventually at Sealtest Dairy, serving as a Milkman before working at UPS.  Customers would know Jerry was coming by his constant whistling. Jerry did not get his High School diploma until the 1970s due to his focus on providing for his family.  Due to his hard work, Jerry managed to rise above from shining shoes on Broad Street to retiring at age 60 at Cornfield Point, a place he and Marge purchased so family could gather. He was an avid Boston Red Sox fan.  He attended two games of the 1946 World Series and thankfully was fortunate to see the Red Sox win 4 World Series much later in life.  He was also a huge fan of UCONN Women’s and Men’s basketball.Jerry was supported during the last few years by his loving family. A special thank you to Michael Kyeremeh, who provided comfort and care for Jerry at his home. Jerry is survived by his daughter, Pam Blankenburg of Kensington, three sons, Gerald Mals and his wife Jacqueline of Plainville, Peter Mals and his wife Debra of Old Saybrook, Ronald Mals and his wife Janice of Kensington and son-in-law Thomas Bialek. Grandchildren, TJ, Ryan, Chris, Kyle, Jerry, Justin, Laine, Marissa, Stephen and Andrew. Great-Grandchildren Layna, Hunter, Cade, Lucy, John, Holly, Nolan, Paige, Wyatt, Claire, Bradley and TBN in June 2025.

Jerry was predeceased by daughter Kathleen Bialek, who passed away in July and son-in-law, Skip Blankenburg. Also, several brothers and sister predeceased him.

Friends may call at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home, 111 Chamberlain Hwy, Berlin on Friday, December 20, from 9:30 a.m.  to 11.00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Jerry’s life will be held at 11:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Church, 467 Alling St, Kensington.  Interment will be in Maple Cemetery, Worthington Ridge, Berlin.  Memorial Donations can be made to Connecticut Foodshare, 2 Research Parkway, Wallingford, CT 06492 or by visiting https://donate.ctfoodshare.org.