Valley Stream public servant turns 90

Valley Stream resident George Malekian celebrated his 90th birthday on Aug. 27. Just a decade shy of a century, he is still gazing toward a bright future.

“I feel it’s a big accomplishment turning 90,” he said. “It’s been a long life, and a good life.”

A Valley Streamer for 64 years, he has served on the village’s Board of Zoning Appeals for more than 20 years. He is a familiar face, to say the least. Most importantly, he is a dedicated public servant. “I have had the pleasure of working with past mayors,” he said, “and it’s interesting to serve the community.”

Growing up in Detroit, Malekian said he enjoyed his childhood. He later moved to New York City before earning a bachelor’s degree from Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Pa. He took up economics during his college days but soon found another love — sales. He spent much of his life in the sales industry.

Moving to Valley Stream brought a great sense of pride, but his time has been filled with some heartache, as well. He and his late wife, Anna raised their two sons, Richard, 58, and Stephen, 53, in the village. He became a widower in 2004. In addition, his two sisters, Elizabeth and Marguerite, both passed away several years ago.

Despite those losses, he is thankful for making it to age 90. He said it’s still interesting to work on the zoning board. His main responsibility is making sure that any requests for appeals or zoning changes are done according to village code.

In his spare time, Malekian enjoys visiting Hendrickson and Barrett parks. He also loves to go swimming at the village’s pool complex.

He celebrated his love for the village at a birthday party on Aug. 19 in Lynbrook. It was a pleasant experience, he said. Mayor Ed Fare also attended the party and presented him with a citation.

“George continues to serve the residents of the village on the Board of Zoning Appeals,” Fare said, “and he is as active and sharp as ever. His broad knowledge and experience is very valuable. Anyone who knows George, knows he is kind, and very quick with a joke or story. He is a fixture at the pool and beloved by many people.”

BZA chairman Ken Bond has known Malekian for more than 20 years. “We met through village politics,” he said, “and go back several mayors…I have gotten to know him very well through that.”

Malekian is also been a past state president of the New York Elks Lodge No. 1 in Lynbrook and is still very active today in the Elks Club.

He looks back at his time in Valley Stream with a positive retrospect. “I raised my family and spent most of my life here,” he said. “I have no regrets of living here. It’s a wonderful place to live.”