Malverne's beloved Warren Rasweiler dies at 89

Lifelong Malverne resident Warren P. Rasweiler, 89, died on Feb. 25 as a result of kidney failure.

Residing in Malverne his entire life, living in three different residences within the village, Rasweiler was deeply involved in community affairs and events. The Rasweilers are one of Malverne’s founding families, so it comes as no surprise that the World War II Air Force veteran had strong ties to community residents and merchants.

“The service that the family has given to the Village of Malverne, it speaks volumes about the life that he led and the family,” said Malverne Mayor Patricia McDonald of Rasweiler’s passing. “Their name, it goes with the Village of Malverne just like the Grossmann family — the Rasweilers.”

Rasweiler was a 71-year member of the Malverne Volunteer Fire Department, serving as chief for one year starting in 1967 and a one-time president of the Volunteer and Exempt Fireman’s Benevolent Association.

“The years of service and dedication [Rasweiler had] given … are tremendous,” McDonald added. “It’s just another example of the uniqueness of the village and the people that have lived here and given back to the village.”

Aside from his devotion to the fire department, Rasweiler was a lifelong member of the Community Presbyterian Church of Malverne, once serving as a deacon. He was also a 52-year member of the Lynbrook Masonic Hall Chapter.

Rasweiler’s had made a career in the candy business. Starting out as a candy broker, he soon moved to Heller Candy Company in Patterson, N.J., as a sales manager. Later he works in sales for the Henry Heide Candy Company and in 1981 he was inducted into the Candy Hall of Fame. After his retirement from the candy business, Rasweiler worked part time at Grossmann’s Farm watering annual plants.

The candy man’s daughter, Joan Villani, remembers her father as having a great sense of humor. “He always made you  laugh,” she said, adding that as a father, “he was best as they come.”

He was also an incredible grandfather to his only grandchild, Nicholas Villani. “My son did the eulogy at the church,” Villani said. “They did everything together, from cards to baseball.”

Rasweiler is the beloved husband of late Doris, loving father of Alan (Wendy) Rasweiler and Joan (Joseph) Villani, as well as dear grandfather of Nicholas Villani.