I'd say your male cat is taking over from the one you lost recently - and maybe going a bit overboard showing who the new "boss" is.

Try talking to your vet...and maybe some Feliway would help. It has cat pheromones in it, the ones cats give off when they rub their heads up against something.

He could be grieving too...were he and your 22-year-old close?

Good luck.