David Matthew Malicky

David Malicky, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of San Diego, passed away on February 22, 2017 after an extended illness. He was 50 years of age.
David was born on March 31, 1966, the son of Neal and Margaret (Wilson) Malicky. He graduated from Berea (OH) High School, Class of 1984. He was an honor student at Cornell University (1988), earned his Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Biomechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan (1998), and a Master’s degree in Psychology and Counseling from the University of Kansas (2004).
Always an outstanding student, David graduated with Distinction from Cornell University and his graduate research at the the University of Michigan received national recognition. Early in his career David worked for Ford Motor Company. Following his graduate work, he was on the engineering faculty at Valparaiso University.
In 2006, David joined the faculty of the School of Engineering at the University of San Diego, which became his professional home. David was deeply devoted to his work and he greatly valued his professional friendships with colleagues. He took personal satisfaction in his student’s growth and professional development. David was a member of several professional engineering societies and published articles in a number of journals in engineering and biomechanical engineering.
David read widely and had many interests. He built and played guitars, and enjoyed playing the piano.. He was an accomplished potter. In addition, he was especially interested in works in psychology and spiritual growth. Until his health declined, he was active in social dancing groups in the San Diego area. Early in his adult life he was an active swimmer, and competitive bicycle racer.
David’s mother, Margi (Wilson) Malicky, preceded him in death in 2013. He is survived by his father, Neal Malicky, two brothers, Michael and Eric Malicky, his aunts, Joyce Castle and Georgann Raney, Ruth Bandy and Kathy Mitelhaus; uncles Maurice and Mike Wilson, nieces and nephews, cousins, and many friends and colleagues.
In lieu of flowers, friends who wish may contribute to the David Malicky fund in the School of Engineering at the University of San Diego, or to a scholarship fund in David’s name at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, OH for graduates of Berea High School, or to the charity of their own choice.
A Celebration of David’s Life service to remember David and his many contributions to others will be held in the Fabrication Laboratory, Loma Hall, at the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering of the University of San Diego at noon on April 20.