Michael D. Maloney

Michael D. Maloney, 31, of Rockford, died on Thursday, May 21, 2020.

He was born on May 20, 1989, in Rockford, Illinois, son of Dr. Michael B. and Mary Jean (Schweppe) Maloney. Michael graduated from Boylan High School, Class of 2008. In 2012, he received a B.A. in Biology with a minor in Biochemistry from Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois. He attended Rock Valley College and was selected for an internship at Woodward. He was a 2017 graduate of Northern Illinois University, College of Engineering, where he earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. He had been employed by Woodward since 2014, initially as an intern and then after graduation, as a Mechanical Engineer. Michael was passionate about engineering, quality, and safety.

Michael loved his family, friends, and life. He was an avid traveler and enjoyed the outdoors with his beloved dog, Nelson. While at Augustana, he spent a term abroad, studying the history, literature, and culture of Ireland. He had visited Ireland as a child, but his love of Ireland truly grew and developed during his term abroad. He later returned many times as an adult. Michael particularly loved Galway and the Aran Islands.

Michael was loving, gentle, and devoted to his family. His kindness, humor, and easygoing approach will serve as a reminder for how to live our lives. He will continue to live in the memory of all those who loved and knew him.

Michael is survived by his parents, his sister, Kate Bernhardt, brother-in-law, Mark, and nephew, Nathan.

Services will be private at Greenwood Cemetery, Rockford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Michael Maloney Memorial Scholarship Fund to support engineering students. To donate, please visit www.rockvalleycollege.edu/give

Arrangements entrusted to Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61108. Share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com