Anastasios “Tommy” Malvetis
Age 94, passed away December 21, 2016. He was born October 31, 1922, in Haverhill, MA. Tommy was a veteran of WWII, serving in the U.S. Army, Logistics Division; specializing as an intelligence photographer for European operations, which resulted in photography being a favorite hobby throughout his lifetime. His post-military career endeavors were as the lead men’s retail clothing buyer for various department stores in the midwest; including J.W. Knapp Co., which brought the family to Lansing, his wife Connie’s hometown. In 1978, Tommy purchased a tavern in Lansing’s Old Town, which he subsequently renamed the Unicorn Tavern and personally operated almost until his passing. Many visitors to Old Town and the Unicorn will remember Tommy from his gregarious personality and the many engaging stories he shared from his long life. Tommy was also a member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, and he was greatly proud of his Greek heritage.
Tommy was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Connie in 2001; and by infant daughter, Elaina. Surviving are: his daughter, Nancy Malvetis; son, Alec Malvetis; granddaughter, Caryn (Judd) Thornton; sister/brother-in-law, Betsy & Gus Carantza; brother-in-law, James Sinadinos; and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to recognize and express sincerest gratitude to all of the medical staff who cared for Tommy; in particular, Dr. Michael Kowalczyk, Caitlyn Schaller, P.A., Dr. Rao Bandi and Dr. Amit Ghose.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 27, 2016, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 1701 E. Saginaw St., Lansing, with Fr. Mark Sietsema officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. His family will receive friends at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Monday, with a Trisagion service at 6:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church or Wounded Warrior Project. Online condolences may be left for his family at www.EstesLeadley.com.
5 Messages to “Anastasios “Tommy” Malvetis”
Print MessagesPlease Sign The Guestbook
Kathy Brandenburg
December 22, 2016 at 10:01 amI will miss Tommy. I only met him a few years ago, but I have had some wonderful conversations with him about his family and his life. Such an interesting man. Such a devoted husband. And he always made me feel special. I will always treasure that somewhat questionable, but very positive, posters he made for our band which he (alone) dubbed “Time2Play with Kathy”. Yep. Nobody like Tommy Malvetis.
Thomas Lance
December 22, 2016 at 11:24 amTommy was one of my many friends, I worked for him many years ago and continued to keep in touch when I moved to Tennessee, with cards and letters, and visited him every July when I’d come to Michigan, he was a loving and honest man, loved kissing and hugging on the women (with respect). He would let you know what’s on his mind. I will miss him a lot. I will sing one more time for Tommy and it will be a song by Patsy Cline, RIP my friend you will be missed. Your friend for life.
Monica Ross
December 22, 2016 at 3:08 pmI worked for Tom at Knapp’s and always considered him a friend. I would occasionally see him when he worked at the Knight Cap or Airport Bar, the family businesses. He always wanted a bar of his own. I have run into him a few times since those days and he always had a big smile and a hug for me. I was his assistant at Knapp’s and he always wanted me to be successful. May he know that my life has been a success in many ways and I owe much of my success to the life lessons I learned from him. May he rest in peace with his beloved, Connie.
Jodie (Taylor) Opie
December 27, 2016 at 10:43 amMy deepest condolences to Alec and the rest of the Malvetis family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this of loss. May you find comfort in all of your memories and the great family stories. Hugs to you – Jodie
Angela Ching and Kim Thompson
December 29, 2016 at 2:30 pmI know Tommy from playing at Frog’s Blues Jams at the Unicorn . He always gave me a big hug, and I looked forward to seeing him every week. He made me smile and feel so welcomed and important. Even though Tommy knew so many people, he treated each person specially and personally. He had a heart of gold. Nancy – you, Alec and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Always know that your father is loved and remembered. Tommy, rest in peace, you are in our hearts forever. Love, Kim and Angela.