Thomas Joseph

Malatesta

Thomas J. Malatesta, 58, husband of Gail Sidiropoulos Malatesta, father of Ria Malatesta, of Fort Lee NJ, lost his courageous four-year battle with cancer on August 13, 2021. Thom was born on September 24, 1962 to Vincent A. and Rosemary S. Malatesta (both deceased) in Manchester, CT.  He grew up in Ellington, CT, where he enjoyed country life with his four older siblings, frequently entertaining the family with his antics, impersonations and often comical remarks. It was also there that he earned his reputation for kindness and generosity, and a work ethic that continued throughout his life.
Although his early years were interrupted by his first battle with cancer, Thom worked hard to graduate on time from Ellington High School in 1980, all while maintaining his sense of humor that often amused  those around him, in spite of his illness.  He also developed a lifelong love of music and was a bassoon and trombone player, and later dabbled with bass guitar.
Thom went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Business Communications from Bryant University in 1984, where he had briefly considered a career in broadcasting.  During the school year his voice would sometimes be heard broadcasting music, news and Bryant College Basketball games  over the Bryant radio station.  After graduation he pursued employment in northern NJ, and soon after began a successful career in real estate appraisal, establishing the Malatesta Roberts appraisal firm where he was licensed in both NY and NJ. Later on, Thom established his own appraisal firm, Hudson Skyline Property Appraisal. He enjoyed  a lifelong love for the city of Manhattan where he had opportunities to appraise everything from historic buildings and townhouses of the rich and famous to tenements filled with gangs. He also enjoyed dining anywhere from local diners to world famous restaurants, and began a lifelong passion for preparing gourmet meals.
Also during this time he met and married his wife, Gail Sidiropoulos, in 1997, and together they raised their daughter Ria in Fort Lee, NJ. As a family, they enjoyed many trips to Greece to visit family and friends, and enjoyed the beauty of the country and its surrounding islands. Eventually, Thom was able to master much of the Greek language.
Thom was also an avid sports fan, mainly of the Boston Red Sox and the NY Giants. As a season ticket holder to the NY Giants games, Thom shared his love of cooking by hosting pregame tailgate events that included everything from gourmet appetizers to hot entrees, once saying, "I love to feed people." He was also selected to attend not one but two Superbowl games in his lifetime, #35 in 2001 and #42 in 2008, where, along with his brother Vince, they made lasting memories together.
More recently, Thom developed a very special group of close friends who supported him throughout his illnesses, frequently visiting him at home, especially during the Covid months. They, too, often enjoyed his quick wit and humor. Their ongoing support meant a great deal to him and his entire family.
Along with his wife, Gail, and his daughter, Ria, Thom will be deeply missed by his four siblings and their spouses. His sister Catherine and husband John Deptula, of Tolland, CT, his brother, Vincent Malatesta Jr. of Worcester, MA, his sister Ellen and husband John Michalik, of Glastonbury CT, and his sister Rosemary and husband Kevin Janicke of Sutton, VT. He also leaves a brother-in-

law,  Kostantinos Sidiropolous and his wife, Daphne, of Saddle River NJ, and their three sons.  His extended family also includes ten nieces and nephews, nine great nieces and nephews, and a beloved aunt, Anita Satriano of Bloomfield, CT.
Thom's family would like to thank the Oncology Team  at Hackensack University Medical Center for all of Thom's  wonderful care, as well as the Nurses from Hackensack Meridian Home Hospice.
Throughout his life, Thom was never at a loss for a joke, an accent, or a witty comeback, but more importantly, those who knew him will forever be touched by his bravery, humility, and, most of all, his generosity. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Lymphoma & Leukemia Society in Thomas's memory.