Edward B. Malcom, Sr., 77, of Philadelphia, PA passed away peacefully October 2, 2023. He was born to Walter and Drewillie Malcom on August 25, 1946 in Philadelphia. He retired in 2007 after 30 years of service from the City of Philadelphia as a Level II social worker from the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility.
He was known as Benny to his parents and siblings, known as Benjamin to family and friends, and as Malcom to colleagues and co-workers. Benjamin was a man that believed in education and excellence. He grew up in North Philadelphia off of what was originally called Columbia Avenue, now renamed Cecil B. Moore Avenue, on Wilmington Street. He is a Gratz High School graduate who enlisted into the U.S. Air Force in October 1963. He served as an administrative specialist stationed at Stewart Air Force Base in New York and was honorably discharged in October 1967. It was during this time where he was married for the first time to Peggy Cobbs. Though the marriage did not last as intended, they had 2 sons and 1 daughter together; Edward, Jr., Gerald, and Rochelle.
Following his time in the military, Benjamin returned to Philadelphia and found a career path working for the City of Philadelphia starting with the Gang Control Unit. Working with troubled teens was his heart’s passion. It was around this time when he met the love of his life, Ana Delia Delgado. Together they began to build a life that would stand the test of time. He later pursued a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Lincoln University and continued his 30 year career which evolved from working with juveniles at the Youth Study Detention Center to working with adult inmates at The Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility.
Benjamin was a God-fearing man, and a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He was a devoted family man who served at Greater Saint Thomas on the board of deacons, as a Sunday school teacher and a choir member. He valued his family, and time was his love language. You could find him every Saturday morning sitting at his parents’ kitchen table spending time with them. If there was love and laughs to be had, he was ready, he enjoyed family cookouts, entertaining, fishing, and watching football or basketball games every week. Playing basketball was one of his favorite pastimes. Whether he was running the courts on Beechwood street or playing at the courts while on vacation in Wildwood, if there was a pickup game and people on the court he was going to join and talk a lot of smack. There were so many layers to him. He was brilliant and could speak knowledgeably to a wide range of topics and could sing along to any Motown song you could name.
Edward was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Drewillie (Culbreth) Malcom, Sr.; siblings, Kenneth Malcom, Leroy Malcom, Annette Malcom, and Walter (Berniece) Malcom Jr.; step-son, Gilbert Padilla Jr; four deceased grandchildren. Edward is survived by his beloved wife and soulmate of 47 years, Ana Delia Delgado Malcom; daughter, Bendelia Peterson; step-son, Miguel Padilla; son, Edward Malcom, Jr.; son, Gerald (Mercedes) Malcom; daughter, Rochelle Edwards; sister, Rachel Malcom; 14 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren, nephews, and nieces.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Edward's viewing on Monday, October 16th at John F. Fluehr and Sons Funeral Home 3301 Cottman Ave Phila. PA. 19149 from 10-11:30, where a service will begin at 11:30 AM. Edward's interment will take place 1:30 PM at Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown, PA.
