Duane Michael Malinowski

Duane Michael Malinowski, age 65, passed away on Monday, April 20, 2026 at ProMedica Toledo Hospital surrounded by family and dear friends. He was born on December 14, 1960 in Toledo, OH to Duane Raymond and Sylvia (Kulczak) Malinowski,

Duane grew up in Toledo’s historic Kuszwantz district, where his parents nurtured his love for music and culture. A graduate of St. Anthony’s and St. Hyacinth’s grade schools, he went on to Central Catholic High School where he was a three-sport athlete (football, baseball, and bowling) and studied music theory and history.  

Music was in Duane’s blood from an early age. At just seven years old, he discovered the accordion and began lessons at Victor’s Music on Adams Street. After teaching himself to play following the loss of his first teacher, Duane’s talent flourished, leading him and his neighborhood friend Teddy Knapik to form their first band, The Twilighters. They performed at family gatherings and neighborhood events, igniting a passion that would shape Duane’s life.

Choosing music over a potential tryout with the Boston Red Sox, Duane became a beloved presence at Toledo’s church festivals, weddings, and polka dances, performing at nearly every major parish event in the city - from St. Adalbert to St. Hedwig to St. Hyacinth. His infectious style of Polish polka soon spread to Detroit, Chicago, St. Louis, and far beyond, taking him to festivals and venues across the country. An accomplished accordionist, vocalist, and Nashville recording artist (known to many as “Duane Michaels”), he performed for over 50 years at more than 150 events annually. His career took him to cruise ships, resorts, casinos, and major music festivals, where he played polka, jazz, country, big band, rock & roll, and more - even sharing the stage as an opening act for legendary performers such as the Charlie Daniels Band, Brenda Lee, Bobby Vinton, and the Bellamy Brothers.

Duane’s professional recognitions include the United Polka Association Accordion Player of the Year (1995), a Lifetime Membership Award from the Polish American Club of Dayton (1999), and multiple honors from the Polish Melodies Radio Program. In 2018, he was inducted into the Central Catholic High School Music Hall of Fame, proudly following in the footsteps of his father, who was inducted into the school’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1995. He was a 2025 Inductee to the Northwest Ohio Polish Cultural Society Hall of Fame. Affiliated with Sony, Step One, Top Notch, Blugem, and WindRiver Records, he recorded more than a dozen albums, including polka, country, big band, and Christmas collections.

Duane was first and foremost a proud and loving husband, father, and friend. His enthusiasm for life was infectious, bringing joy to everyone he met. He was known for his quick-witted humor. In addition to his love of music, he remained a sports enthusiast and huge fan of Notre Dame Football and the Boston Red Sox.

Duane is survived by his devoted wife, Kelly (Galanty) Malinowski; children, Duane Joseph, Holly Nicole, and Dominic Anthony Malinowski; and sister, Diane (Dale Lawecki) Jenkins. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be Saturday, May 2, from 12:00-4:00 p.m. at Sujkowski Funeral Home Northpointe, 114 E. Alexis Rd.  The committal service will be private at Resurrection Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be given to the Kidney Foundation of Northwest Ohio. Condolences and memories can be shared online at www.sujkowski.com.

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