Nicholas J. Malec, age 59, resident of Mentor, passed away Feb. 18, 2016 at Hospice of the Western Reserve. Born to Nick and Clara Malec on December 19, 1957. A beautiful dark haired baby that brought joy to everyone that would come in contact with him from that day forward. A smile that would break your heart for years to come. Diagnosed at the age of 18 months with developmental disabilities and cerebral palsy, and scoliosis was not slowing Nicky down at all. From playing in the backyard with the garden hose and an old pot, to later on, taking long walks with all family members, it was hard to keep up with him. A neighbor Frances Mastromonaco would reminisce how she remembered my parents bringing him for a walk always with a smile upon his face. There was not much time for talking because Nicky needed to keep moving forward. There were no two better parents that could take care of my brother, and soon to find out, more to follow. My mother devoted her life to caring for my brother as well as my father. Chrissy Frye who first cared for Nicky at CDC said my mother referred to him as ""My Nicky"". Nicky attended Broadmoor School in Mentor. Had a wonderful teacher Mr. Pritchard, who made everyday a fun day for all the students. There was a pool and to this day there still is that Nicky enjoyed going in to wade. When we talk about car rides, they were never long enough, they could just go on for miles. There were many trips to Pennsylvania where my parents were from Iselin and Vandergrift. My cousin David would say, ""Hey Nicky, How's it going!"" A minute later Nicky would grab David's hand and they would be walking. My dads' mom had a special place in her heart for Nicky, because she also had a special needs child. Her face would light up every time she saw Nicky. Our family comes from a long line of great cooks and bakers. So believe me Nicky did not go hungry even through the times when my dad was laid off. Nicky had his favorites, anything my mom made! But his favorite was her bakery, as was everyone that would come in contact with my mom! Chocolate being his favorite to this day. Gee Nicky, we are definitely brother and sister. Yes, we all have our favorite TV shows, Nicky's being The Three Stooges which my husband taped from TV and took all the commercials out because Nicky did not like sitting through commercials. Our Gang/Little Rascals, The Munsters, Adams Family, The Flintstones, The Jetsons and Gunsmoke were other favorite shows. I even just found out that while living at the CDC he would not go to bed without the movie Conair in his DVD, which was a total surprise to me. In 2005 our mother passed. I can remember Nicky standing by her at the funeral home and just looking at her and he started to cry. I believe that was the first time I had seen my brother cry. Six months later my father had a massive stroke that left him with left side paralysis and unable to care for Nicky as well as himself. If it were not for my husband, Tom and daughter, Rachel, I truly do not know what I would have done. My son, Derek was away at college for five years during this time. We had to commute to visit my dad at the VA hospital on one weekend and visit my brother on the other weekend. We would take turns picking Nicky up on a Saturday or Sunday or all pile in the car all at one time. We attended Christmas parties and picnics. Got to know all the residents, especially Tyrone who was his roommate, that years back when Nicky was able to, would escort him out of the building during a fire drill because Tyrone was in a wheel chair. I thank everyone at Broadmoor, the CDC staff and the VGC staff that took care of Nicky. You are truly a godsend, and many of you have already earned your wings in my book. Your jobs are not easy ones. In the last years Nicky's health started to decline rapidly. He had bad bouts with pneumonia and this past summer had his gall bladder removed. Each time he got pneumonia he got weaker and weaker. He is at peace now and has no pain, he is with our parents and all family members laughing and smiling and thinking that there is know place I would rather be. Hey I'm eating great food. Between my mom and all my aunts up here there is a dessert table a mile long! Everyday is a joy to behold. Nicky is survived by his sister, Jody Rybka (Malec); brother-in-law, Thomas Rybka; niece, Rachel Nicole Rybka; and nephew, Derek Thomas Rybka. He was preceded in death by his parents Nick and Clara (Lippolis) Malec. Funeral services will be Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2016 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. with a service at 7:30 p.m., at Orlando-Donsante Funeral Home, 29550 Euclid Ave, Wickliffe.