Waclaw Murdoch Maliszewski, known to most as Willy, passed away peacefully at home on August 16, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on September 22, 1948, he immigrated to the United States aboard the Queen Mary and grew up in Westport. He graduated from Staples High School in 1967 and later earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the former Silvermine College of Art in New Canaan, alongside studies at Cambridge University.

A skilled ébéniste and antique furniture restorer, he owned and operated London Joiners in Pound Ridge, New York, for 40 years. His work reflected a lifelong devotion to fine furniture, traditional craftsmanship, and the quiet art of restoration.

He was also a historian and published author who devoted nearly 37 years to researching the Katyń Massacre. In September 2025, he donated his extensive collection of research and historical materials to Poland’s Central Archives of Modern Records in Warsaw. In recognition of his work preserving Polish history, he was awarded the Bene Merito distinction.

Of everything he accomplished, his children were his life’s best work. James, Zoë, Harry, and Lily were his entire world, and he was deeply proud of each of them. He is also remembered with love by James’s wife Jackie, Harry’s wife Chelsea, and Lily’s partner Josh. His grandchildren, Max James, Sam Arthur, Theodore Alexander, and Rosemary Pearl, brought him immense joy.

In later years, he shared a close friendship with Theresa, the mother of his children, and her husband George. He is also survived by his sister Anne Diamond and her husband Dan of Santa Barbara, California, nephew Jeremy of Ojai, California, and his beloved cat Wilma.

He was predeceased by his father Walter, his mother Katherine, sister Karen, sons John and Sam, niece Stephanie, and nephew Avery.

The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Cohenuram and the team at Smilow Cancer Center, along with the entire RVNA team, for their care and support.

A funeral for family and close friends will be held on Friday August 21 at Lakeview Cemetery in New Canaan, Connecticut, at 11 a.m., with no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Scotty Fund: www.scottyfund.org.  

The Bethel Funeral Home has been entrusted with Willy’s care.  To light a candle or leave a condolence, please visit www.CornellMemorial.com.