Waclaw Murdoch Maliszewski, 78

Waclaw Murdoch Maliszewski, known to most as Willy, died Aug. 16. He was 78. 

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

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

Maliszewski 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.

He is survived by children James, Zoë, Harry and Lily, as well as their mother, Theresa, and four grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Anne (Dan) Diamond of Santa Barbara, Calif., and a nephew. He was predeceased by his father, Walter, his mother Katherine, sister Karen, and sons John and Sam.

A funeral for family and close friends will be held at Lakeview Cemetery, 352 Main St., New Canaan, Conn., on Friday, Aug. 21, at 11 a.m. There are no calling hours. 

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