Ron Malone — a highly respected former Westport police chief, longtime Representative Town Meeting member and Westport native — died Sunday. He was 88
Tributes to Malone came from one of his successors, and the current police chief.
Former Westport Police Chief Bill Chiarenzelli says: “Chief Ron Malone was dedicated to his family, his job and the town of Westport.
“His first assignment, dangerous and demanding, was as an undercover narcotics officer for Fairfield County and the state of Connecticut.
Ron Malone
“Upon his return to the Westport Police Department, Ron was assigned as a detective to share his insights and experiences with his fellow officers.
“His career developed as an investigator. He was promoted to chief of police, after many years of dedication to the public.”
Current Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas adds: “While I never had a chance to work for or with him, I know he loved the Police Department and the town equally.
“He was a fixture in town early in his career. He was always willing to listen to me as a young officer, and give his insights.”
Malone’s first job was not with the Westport Police, however. As a young adult he ran a successful refuse business. In 1968 he sold it, and became a Westport officer.
After a year with the WPD, he joined a federal narcotics task force. He returned to Westport after 3½ years undercover.
Malone was promoted to sergeant in 1975, after posting the highest score ever recorded on the state personnel department promotion test.
He became chief of detectives in 1977, and in 1984 was named police chief.
His family says, “He was ahead of his time when it came to policing strategies. He was well respected by the entire force, for his hands-on leadership and unwavering commitment to his officers and community. He knew leadership is not about authority; it is about relationships and trust.”
Malone was also deeply involved with the Westport Police Athletic League.
Malone retired in 1990 after 22 years on the force. He continued serving his community as a member of the Representative Town Meeting for 16 years.
His family notes, “Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ron was known for his gift of connecting with people. Whether family, friend, colleague or stranger, Ron’s kindness and humor were felt by everyone he encountered.
Malone was an avid photographer. In retirement he enjoyed looking at and creating art, listening to music, gardening, visiting museums, spending time at the Westport Library, and enjoying his grandchildren.
“Ron had a way of putting things in perspective, breaking down complicated situations with humor, patience, and wisdom. Always the storyteller, Ron was a friend to all and treated everyone with dignity and respect.”
Malone is survived by his wife of 68 years, Carol (Davis); sons Joe (Diane) and Bill (Michelle); daughter-in-law Sue; grandchildren Michael, Kristen (Tom), Danielle (Eric), Brian, Matt, Alex and Jamie, and 3 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son Jimmy.
A wake is set for Saturday (April 5, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), with a funeral service at 1 p.m. at Harding Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Westport Police Athletic League, 50 Jesup Road, Westport, CT 06880. Click here to leave online condolences.
The family is grateful to the staff at the Village of Kensington Place for the loving and compassionate care provided to Ron and Carol over the past 5 years.
“Always the storyteller” indeed..I did work for Chief Malone and his stories of his years undercover were fascinating. He certainly loved this town. Good chief and a good man. RIP Ronnie…
This is very sad news. Ron was one of my early mentors on the RTM. A solid soul with a heart of gold. He was always there to support my efforts. Though I had not seen him in the last few years, when we crossed paths prior it was always a lively discussion, mostly about how the town he loved was doing. RIP my friend.
I’m Michael Gilbertie retired Deputy Fire Marshal of the Westport Fire Department. I would like to convey my condolences to Ron’s family for their loss through this blog. I worked very closely with Ron when he was a detective conducting numerous fire investigations with him. He was a master at interrogation, his approach was very soft and deliberate with great results. He was definitely one of a kind.
I am deeply honored to have known Ron and cherish his stories about the people and events of Westport whenever he gave one of his amazing tours through the Westport Historical Society- grateful for his lively spirit and passion for the town he loved.
A true old school Westporter, family man, with a strong work ethic, straightforward, and dedicated to helping people in every way. Seeing him and my dad interact over private sanitation was a treat.
He’ll be greatly missed, but lucky and blessed to have such a wonderful large family to carry on his legacy.
I served with Ron on RTM and am sorry to hear of his passing.
Whether one agree or disagreed with him on an issue, he always seemed like a good guy. When discussion of a subject went on way too long, he would go to the mic and nudge us toward concluding, with, “everything has been said, but not everyone has said it.”
Condolences to Ron’s friends and family.
Hi Chris
Didn’t see your quote till I came back later. As the RTM meeting droned on his comment was hilarious 🤣
Ron was very helpful in advocating for Interfaith Housing (now Homes with Hope) in our early years. My relationship with him in the 80s led to the positive relationship the Westport Emergency Shelter and later the Gillespie Center continues to enjoy with the Westport Police Department. He gave sage advice and advocated fearlessly.
This made me really sad. My dad knew Chief Malone for years and had nothing but wonderful things to say about him as police chief in terms of his kindness, fairness and goodness to everyone in town. I then got to know him a little bit in his post-retirement job when he drove my bus to Staples in the late 90s. He was funny, kind and incredibly prompt (somehow the bus showed up in front of my house within 15 seconds of the same time every day). My thoughts go out to his family.
I remember Ron when I started working at Max’s Art Supplies in 1985 until they closed in 2014. He would come in frequently and he would joke around with all of us. Early on, I never realized he a police officer because of the way he carried himself and his long hair. Maybe that was his MO as an undercover detective. He was a real cool guy and I am sorry to hear of his passing.
“Everything’s been said but everyone hasn’t said it yet” was one of Ron’s very astute comments on the RTM.
Great guy🇺🇸🙏
Ron was an original member of the Westport Community Gardens. He loved the place and he helped immensely when we started out. He was helpful, thoughtful, and he always brought a good sense of humor with him. My condolences to his family.
Deepest condolences to Billy and the entire Malone family. What a wonderful and kind man. His memory will always be for a smile and kind thought.
Ron was terrific! He had a great sense of humor and on occasion would be seen driving one of the Malones trucks with a blow up doll in the passenger seat! It always got people attention. He was very smart always sharing his thoughts and wisdom and would always help anyone in need. He will be remembered fondly as a true gem in Westport’s history!
Ron as wonderful he will be missed in Westport and a great person to talk about The Westport pd and the rtm I use to talk him about it a lot I learned a lot from him I will miss you Ron
So very sorry to hear this sad news. Peace to him, condolences to all his family.
Such a lovely man.
I have fond memories of Ron. He was a good person and he made a difference. Condolences to his family.
Ron was a real treasure. He gave me a wonderful photo of my ‘51 Ford crammed with young lacrosse players on Memorial Day in the parade. He advised me on several very serious issues with humor and of course, keen intelligence. He used to make me and my son laugh every time we saw him. We could use more of his irreverence and cheerfulness these days, I just feel grateful to have known him.
I parked in the small lot off Franklin Street and a car pulled up to me and a gentleman said he was doing a survey for the Town and could he ask me some questions about why I was using that lot. We chatted.
“Wait a minute‼️ Aren’t you the Police Chief?”
“Yes says Ron Malone. Sorry but I get much better responses when I’m taking a survey than when I’m the Police Chief. HA🤩
Always, he found time for a cup of coffee, an anecdote and to ask “how’s the family?”…the best of the best.
I served with Ron on the RTM, what a blessing he was for the entire community. A wealth of knowledge. A kind heart and a passion for getting to the truth.
My condolence to his family and friends.
RIP Ron.
AND, Mike, he was a loyal DEMOCRAT…not many of them in uniform
Ron Malone, a fine policeman, excellent Police Chief and so much more. His role in the RTM was also notable. If a member of the RTM wanted to propose something and no one else would second the action, Ron usually did. He wanted positive dialogue. Ron’s business also picked up lots of garbage for his customers. Finally, he let his hair grow long so he could donate it for wigs for cancer victims. Ron Malone was a wonderful source for all that is good.
Very sorry to hear of the passing of my friend and mentor Ron Malone. Ronnie and I worked many cases together while I served with the Westport Police Department as a patrol officer, detective, and sergeant (1973-1983). I always admired his unique ability to talk to anyone and everyone as though he knew them all his life. That ability made him very successful at what I would call the “Lieutenant Colombo” approach to criminal investigation. Ron was a friend to everyone, a great law enforcement officer, and an outstanding member of the community! Rest in peace brother.
Rich Thacher
Aviation Bureau Commander (Retired)
Arizona Department of Public Safety
Ron was a shining light in Westport. He was also a good-natured and good-humored colleague, and I had the pleasure of serving on committees as well as sitting next to him when our terms on the RTM overlapped. He devoted himself to serving others. May he be remembered long and well by many, and may his memory comfort his family and friends.