With hearts full of love and gratitude, we share the legacy of Mallerick “Mal” Paul Warnell, who peacefully departed this life on December 5, at the age of 59. Born on May 3,1966, in Orange, “Mal”, as most knew him, was a cherished father, son, brother, cousin and friend, whose life touched countless hearts and whose memory will forever remain.
Mal spent most of his life in Orange, where he was known for his warm spirit and radiant personality. A proud graduate of West Orange–Stark High School, Class of 1984, he continued his education at Lamar University, majoring in Computer Aided Drafting. Mal pursued his passion for transforming ideas into meaningful visual plans, a skill that reflected both his creativity and dedication.
Throughout his life, Mal demonstrated remarkable strength, resilience and grace. He was a hardworking and committed professional who earned the respect and admiration of all who worked alongside him. His career concluded with six years of dedicated service to the City of Orange, from which he retired with pride.
Beyond his professional life, Mal was deeply devoted to brotherhood and service. In the fall of 1986, he pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., where he and his line brother, Shelby Wilridge, became affectionately known as the “Dynamic Duo.” In the fall of 1991, Mal furthered his commitment to fellowship and service by becoming a Mason with the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge in Rome, New York.
In his quieter moments, Mal found joy in fishing, riding motorcycles, drawing and cooking the meals he proudly prepared from his own catch.
A man of faith and deep conviction, Mal believed strongly in God, perseverance and the power of love. On October 16, 1990, he married his high school sweetheart, Loretta Garrett-Warnell, in Rome, New York. Together they built a loving family, welcoming their son, Mallerick Paul Warnell II, on October 5, 1992, and later their daughter, Malena Meschelle Warnell, on April 26, 2001. Through this union, Mal shared a lifetime of love, laughter and treasured memories that will live on in the hearts of his family.
He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved children, Mallerick P. Warnell II and Malena Warnell; mother, Berleta “Black” Mitchell; the mother of his children, Loretta Garrett-Warnell; brother, Paul Warnell (Kenya); sister, Mary Almaguer (Austin) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and dear friends.
We celebrate the beautiful life Mal lived, life that exemplified love, resilience and hard work. We find comfort in knowing that he is now at peace, reunited with loved ones who have gone before him and resting safely in the arms of our Lord.
Mal was preceded in death by his father, the Rev. Norman Warnell; maternal grandmother, Elnora Frank; maternal grandfather, Adam Frank Sr. and cousin, Troy Dennis.
Before answering the Master’s Call, Mallerick Paul Warnell’s final words to his mother were “Believe it or not, I do pray to the Lord.”
Visitation will be held at Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, Saturday, December 20, from 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM. An Omega service will follow from 9:30-10:00. Rites of Christian burial will follow at Hollywood Cemetery.
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