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BORN

1952

DIED

2024

FUNERAL HOME

Jagers and Sons Funeral Home

24 Morris Ave.

Athens, Ohio

Malcolm Modrzakowski Obituary

The Plains Malcolm Charles Modrzakowski, Jr., 72, of The Plains died early Friday morning, September 27, 2024 at the Darst's Private Care Home, Pomeroy after an extended illness. Born March 12, 1952 in Enid, OK, he was the son of the late Malcolm C. Modrzakowski, Sr. and Alice Carol Westort Modrzakowski.

He was a graduate of Amherst (Mass.) High School. He received his Bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of Massachusetts. He completed his Master's degree and Doctorate from the University of Georgia in Microbiology and Philosophy. He completed post graduate work at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He was a Professor of Microbiology at the Ohio University Heritage of Osteopathic Medicine for 25 years and for 17 years at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, where he was also Administrative Dean.

He enjoyed the Alumni Associations of the school he attended. He was a member of Athens the Elks, Moose and the Athens Chapter of the Harley Owners Group. He also enjoyed music and played guitar with several area bands including Kontajus and the Renaissance Cowboys. He dearly loved his family, and animals and nature.

Malcolm is survived by his wife of 26 years, Beth Ann Martin Modrzakowski; a daughter, Anna M. (Adam) Casteel of Athens; two sons, Matthew J. (Theresa) Modrzakowski of Ripley, WV and John Malcolm Modrzakowski, and his significant other, Alize of The Plains; three grandchildren, Liv Mullins of Athens, Savannah Modrzakowski and Matthew "Austin" Modrzakowski both of Ripley, WV; a brother, Stanley W. (Carla) Modrzakowski of Leeds, MA; a cousin that was raised as a sister, Ellen (Bill) Schmidt of Alloway, NJ; numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews including Mikel & Alisa Modrzakowski; and a special niece, Amber (Jeremy) Nesselrotte and her children, Jayden, Alysa and Presley; a cousin, Daniella Siroski of San Francisco, CA; sisters in law and brothers in law, Karen (Bill) Tryda of North Royalton, Gary (Caroline) Martin of Kissimmee, FL, Rick (Beth) Martin of Athens, Kevin (Jane) Martin of Loveland, and Becky Martin of Crooksville.

Besides his parents he is preceded in death by a cousin, Irene Siroski; a brother in law, Randy Martin; and a sister in law and her husband, Lisa (Dave) Hudson.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at the Eclipse Company Store, 11309 Jackson Dr., The Plains, OH 45780 on Sunday, October 13th from 2 pm to 4 pm. Musicians are asked to bring their musical instruments to the Eclipse. Cremation arrangements are with Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com. Malcolm Modrzakowski

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Athens Messenger on Sep. 30, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Malcolm Modrzakowski

Sponsored by Jagers and Sons Funeral Home.

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Linda Sniezwk Haggerty UMass '74

August 12, 2025

These comments come very late as I was a friend of Malcolm's from his UMass days and just realized that he has passed away. We were part of a very small group of microbiology majors at UMass Amherst and our curriculum was difficult because we, as undergrads were in classes with the grad students. The work was difficult as it was taught from recent papers instead of books. We were a tight group of about 5 undergrads and we all helped each other get through the material. The group of about 5 all went separate ways: Georgia, Virginia, Wisconsin, med school, etc. We were all successful after leaving UMass and have to credit Dr Cox and the many other profs at UMass for our success. I was hoping to chat with Malcolm in my retirement but I guess that will not happen. Malcolm will be missed by his UMass

Bob Foster

October 25, 2024

I just found the opportunity to leave a note. I was blessed to work closely with Malcolm during his years at WVSOM and he knew an old friend and early partner of mine from Tucson, AZ, Ted Rente, DO. This gave us an early opportunity to become friends. He was a great faculty member and leader through curricula and many other things that helped WVSOM to move forward during his years here. I remember him trying several times to explain to me where the "Z" belonged in his last name, which I could never confidently do. He also gave me two pairs of Western boots that he had gotten during his time in Texas. The story of him buying them and how they hurt his back, after several months of trying to wear them, was worth several good laughs. I still have and wear them and one of them, a full quill Ostrich, was worth a lot of money. He wouldn't take a nickel from me. I will continue to think of him every time I put them on. He is certainly missed at WVSOM and made many good friends here. A very good man with great contributions to the education of Osteopathic Medical students. I hope Beth and the family remember all of hsi accomplishments and the many who remember him as a great person and academic and his impact over his years on this planet. He IS greatly missed.
Bob Foster, DO
WVSOM

Amy Odom

October 3, 2024

Dr. Modrzakowski was part of my identity formation as a physician. In 1998 at OU-COM he helped guide us through a new curriculum (the PCC) and turned all of us into adaptive learners and paved the way for us to be excellent physicians. I am grateful for the part he played in my education.

Sherri Lee

October 1, 2024

Malcolm, thanks for allowing me to care for you. I so love being a part of your family. Malcom, you are very dear to my heart. Until we meet again, I will always treasure my time with you. Your friend always Sherri

Andrea Nazar

October 1, 2024

Condolences to Beth and family . I will always remember Malcolm with great respect and appreciate our time together at WVSOM.

Angelica (Angel) Knapp

October 1, 2024

Even though we only got to be a small part of Malcolm’s life he was quick to touch our hearts. Thank you for letting us care and love him here at Darst. Your family are in our hearts and prayers.

Kim Ransom

October 1, 2024

I knew Dr. M while working with him at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. He was always a very kind and caring individual! Sympathy to his family.

Suzanne Criddle

October 1, 2024

Beth, I was so sorry to read of Malcom’s passing. You all were one of my favorite couples, and I so enjoyed having John as a Kiddie Condo kid.

Jamie Remy

October 1, 2024

Malcolm was a great person to work with. He was always in a good mood and made us laugh every time he came into the office at Biomedical Sciences at Ohio University. We really missed him when he left OU.

Deborah Johnson

September 30, 2024

Our prayers are with you. Sending much love.
Deborah and Bill Johnson of Lewisburg, WV.

Single Tree

Mickey Malinowski

Sent Flowers

Myers Denny

September 30, 2024

We are so sorry for your loss, Denny, Patricia and Noah Myers

Marla Smith

September 30, 2024

Sorry for loss

Kevin Quick

September 30, 2024

I'm so sorry to hear about Malcolm's passing. He was one of the first people to make me feel welcome at work and would make it a point to say hello and break the ice if he saw me walking down the hallway or would stop by my office to have a laugh or two, and I was just a complete stranger to him at the time. Being in a new environment, it's easy to become nervous or not sure how to gain people's acceptance, and I will always remember him for his generosity that he displayed to me and helped me feel welcome. Sending prayers to the family and comfort in this difficult time.

Tess McMillion

September 30, 2024

What a great man, was blessed to know him and always enjoyed when I got to see him, always greet you with a genuine smile and wonderful short sweet conversation.

Donna Gordon

September 30, 2024

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. So sorry for your loss Beth.
Donna Wade Gordon

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Memorial Events
for Malcolm Modrzakowski

Oct

13

Celebration of Life

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Eclipse Company Store

11309 Jackson Dr., The Plains, OH

Funeral services provided by:

Jagers and Sons Funeral Home

24 Morris Ave., Athens, OH 45701

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