St. Clair Shores man donates $248,000 to city park

Fred Maloof says he wants pavilion at Veterans Memorial Park to honor his father

ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich. – Veterans Memorial Park in St. Clair Shores is about to get a gorgeous new pavilion all thanks to one man.

Fred Maloof, 91, has donated the largest gift by a single individual in the city's history to make the pavilion happen.

"I just love people," he told Local 4 during an interview Tuesday.

He also loves the community. That's why he is giving $248,000 to it.

The money will be used to build the Maloof Family Pavilion.

"I want to do something. I've always tried to do something for somebody or some people. Instead of taking all the time, I like to give," Maloof said. "It makes me feel good. I've been that way my whole life. I can't help it."

Maloof said he's been working since the 1930s, first at an ice cream shop and then at his own jewelry store. He said his donation came from years of savings here and there and also some money he has earned from investments.

Maloof is a WWII veteran. But he said he wants the pavilion to honor his father.

The pavilion is set to open in the fall and Maloof says he's looking forward to being there.

"If God wants me to. It's up to the big guy upstairs," Maloof said.