D. Christoph Malvaney

Christoph passed swiftly and easily on March 25, 2024 at the age of 60 into the next realm after a 16 year health struggle. 

Originally from Jackson, MS, following graduation from Murrah High School in 1981, Christoph went to the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale, after which he lived in Jackson, MS, then New Orleans, and ultimately settled in the Washington DC area. 

As a chef, his renowned cooking skills delighted the palates of many far and wide. Notably, at some of the more well known  restaurants in DC, including The Old Ebbit Grill, Two Quail, and others. He especially loved to design elaborate holiday feasts, particularly at Christmas and Yule for friends and family of birth and of choice. Orphans were always welcome. He loved sharing his prodigious gifts to ensure that all would depart well fed and happy. 

An impressively strong man with an equally strong will, Christoph faced multiple illnesses, injuries, and hardships throughout his nearly 61 years. As one of the earliest people to be diagnosed with what had not yet even been named AIDS, HIV was one of many obstacles Christoph faced with defiance. The most consequential of his injuries, however, were two strokes spaced 6 months apart in 2008 which left him permanently disabled for the remainder of his life.

Living with HIV during the most fearful years of the AIDS crisis was an experience of constant loss and grief for the gay community. Christoph helped many people cross over with dignity and grace and became a lifetime advocate as well as a long term survivor. Christoph reveled in imparting life skills many had not yet discovered within themselves. This sense of purpose to live, along with his love for horticulture, brought Christoph to the Greenhouse at The National Cathedral in DC where he worked for several meaningful years.

The last years of Christoph’s life were spent in various areas of Massachusetts in the care and companionship of both former partner and friend Jamie (Cormier) Darcangelo whom he’d known since the late 90’s as well as dear friend Sarah Hunter.

The family wishes to extend their thanks to the staff of the NeuroCare team at  the Seven Hills Foundation for their devoted care once his needs became too much to manage at home. 

He leaves his loving older sister ‘Wump Wump’ also known as Lucienne of Biloxi MS, his brother Sam of New Orleans LA, his sister Corinne of Appomattox, VA, and his brother George of Brandon, MS. Christoph was predeceased by his parents E.L (Louis) and Gwen Malvaney of Jackson, MS. He was a loving uncle to his seven nieces and nephews including Lauren, Luke, Mac, Taylor, Forest, and Hillary, with a particular fondness for tormenting his niece Rachael with whom he had a very special bond. 

He leaves behind many friends from Jackson MS, Washington DC, and all over Massachusetts, but especially Nevin, Peter, Vishnu, Mikki and Sarah. He will be missed dearly by his longtime partner and friend Jamie along with his husband Wil and their daughter Lavender with whom he lived for several years in Fitchburg, MA. 

A celebration of Christoph’s venturesome life will take place on April 13, 2024 at The First  Church of Lancaster at 3pm, at 725 Main St in Lancaster, Massachusetts, 01523. All are invited to honor the life of an amazing man who never stopped trying to remain as independent as possible. A Zoom link will be made available for those who wish to attend remotely. 

Later in the Spring on what would have been Christoph’s 61st birthday, Tuesday, May 21 at 11AM, a remembrance ceremony and picnic will be held at The National Arboretum in Washington DC. At 3501 New York Ave NE in Washington DC. All are welcome. 

Christoph’s ashes will be scattered in various locations that were meaningful to him including Washington DC, Jackson, MS, and the 800 block of Bourbon St in New Orleans at his request.