Matt Tapani Malkamaki

Matt Tapani Malkamaki, age 66 of Mentor, Ohio passed away Monday, November 20, 2023 at The Enclave of Newell Creek, Mentor with his son Michael by his side. He was born on October 3, 1957 in Isokyro, Finland. Mr. Malkamaki came to the United States from Finland in 1977 to join his aunt and uncle as a bricklayer in Fairport Harbor. He perfected his skills and craftmanship to found Malkamaki Builders, Inc. in 1987 and become one of the most respected custom home builders in the Lake County Area for the past 36 years. He had been an active member of the Greater Cleveland Home Builders Association for 30 years and has built well over 1000 homes and condominiums in the Greater Lake County area. His last project prior to passing was his Blue Heron Development in Painesville, Ohio. Prior to moving to the United States, Matt finished his schooling and served in the Finnish Army with honors. He was an avid skier and hockey/figure skater back in his homeland. Once Matt was established in the U.S., he enjoyed staying active in his free time with skiing, heli-skiing, golfing, boating, kayaking, bicycling, walking, live music, and international travel. Once retired, he enjoyed splitting his time between Lake County, Ohio and Naples, Florida with annual trips back to Finland to visit his family. Matt always loved to be surrounded by his friends and family. His most prized treasure was his granddaughter Charlotte who was his beloved sidekick – they shared a love of boating, inner tubing, kayaking, amusement parks, bicycling, golf cart rides, trips to the beach, ping pong, building gingerbread houses and ice skating. Survivors include his Son, Michael M. (Kelly A.) Malkamaki; Granddaughter, Charlotte Sophia Malkamaki; siblings: Ulpu (Jussi) Korpikoski, Kirsti (Matti Kotiranta) Malkamaki, Markku (Eeva) Malkamaki and Seija (Niko) Malkamaki and several nieces & nephews. Preceding Matt in death were his parents: Alpo Matias Malkamaki and Vuokko Maria Josefiina (Ylkanen) Malkamaki A celebration of Matt’s life will be held from 4:00 – 8:00 pm Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave, Mentor, OH 44060. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Mentor Intensity Synchronized Skating Teams, Attn: Sue Clemente, 7564 Fairview Ave., Mentor, OH 44060, c/o "In honor of Matt Malkamaki" or to Notre Dame Elementary School Campaign, Attn: Keven Krajnak, 13000 Auburn Road, Chardon, OH 44024, c/o "Matt Malkamaki Family". Offer condolences at www.brunners.com

Matt Tapani Malkamaki

October 3, 1957 - November 20, 2023