Dr. Gerald J. Malecki

Dr. Gerald 'Jerry' Joseph Malecki, 74, of Saxonburg, passed away peacefully in the quiet of the morning Dec. 7, 2016. In his final hours, he was surrounded by the deepest love of family and friends. Jerry is survived by his beloved wife of 50 wonderful years, Fran (Lobaugh), and his three loving daughters: Cheryl Galizia, of Allison Park; Cindy Knight, of Fort Worth, Texas; and Chrissy Walker, of Oakmont. His honorary 'sons' are Nick Galizia, Ryan Knight and Jeremy Walker. He was blessed with four adoring grandchildren: Nathaniel and Gabrielle Galizia and Juliette and Lyla Knight. His sister, Darlene (Malecki) Krynicki, resides in Indiana Township with her husband, Mark Krynicki. His brother, Dan Malecki, lives in Brackenridge with his wife, Mary Eileen (Conroy) Malecki. Jerry was born in Natrona, where he began a lifelong devotion to learning and education. He attended St. Ladislaus School in Natrona and Birdville School in Natrona Heights. He was a graduate of Har-Brack High School in Natrona Heights, class of 1960. While at Har-Brack, Jerry lettered in three sports, including serving as the Tiger football team's captain and quarterback. Jerry continued his education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he earned his bachelor of science degree. He also was the second baseman of the IUP baseball team. Most importantly, college was where he met his lifelong sweetheart, Fran. Fran and Jerry were married Aug. 6, 1966. They joyfully celebrated their golden anniversary this past summer. Jerry served as a first lieutenant in the Army Quartermaster Corps in Germany from 1964 to 1966. Due to the early passing of his mother, Helen (Kravitz) Malecki, he returned home and served in the Reserves from 1966 to 1970. Shortly thereafter, Jerry began his career as a speech therapist in the Hampton School District. He moved to the North Hills School District in 1967 where he was both a speech therapist and classroom teacher. During that time, he earned his master's in education administration from Duquesne and a doctorate in education and supervision from IUP. He rose through the North Hills School District to serve as the elementary school principal. Jerry moved on to Northgate to the assistant superintendent post. Because of his strong commitment to children and education, Jerry accepted the title of superintendent of the Lower Burrell School District (1982 to 1989) and then advanced to his final position as the superintendent of the Seneca Valley School District (1989 to 2004). Throughout his career, Jerry was a member of the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators, the American Association of School Administrators and the American Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development. Other active memberships included the Knights of Columbus (Council 2602, Natrona) and the American Legion (Post 48, Natrona). He served as the president of his Natrona golf league and was also a founding member of the Strongland Chamber of Commerce. Jerry loved to have fun with a rotating cast of lifelong friends. He loved golfing with his buddies, vacations to the beach with his family and traveling with Fran. He especially enjoyed in making a little mischief with his three sons-in-law while toasting with a good old Iron City Light. He was deeply proud of his Polish heritage. Jerry was thrilled to be dzia-dzia, a special grandfather. He loved to eat pierogi and mastered the accordion, which, in his younger days, he played with his band, The Twilighters. He was also very proud to be from the City of Pittsburgh. No matter where he found himself across the county, Jerry proudly sported a baseball hat and jersey for the Pirates, Penguins and Steelers. Sundays in the Maleckl household were structured around attending Mass, sharing a family meal and cheering on the Steelers. Above all else, Jerry had an uncompromising dedication to his Roman Catholic faith. He was a church lector and eucharistic minister at Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Parish in Natrona Heights and served as a eucharistic minister and church council member at St. Joseph Parish in Cabot. Jerry considered his greatest mission in life to bring himself and his family to God. He never missed Mass and always carried a rosary in his pocket. From this wellspring of faith, he developed self-discipline, wisdom, patience, strength and understanding. Jerry and Fran instilled this strong belief in God in raising their three daughters. As a leader of the Malecki family and a humble contributor to the communities where he lived and worked, Jerry was a steady example of perseverance and good. Jerry Malecki fulfilled many roles, including brother, husband, father, grandfather and colleague. No matter what the capacity, all who had the honor of knowing him were touched in some very personal and special way. From Matthew 25:23: 'His Master was full of praise. 'Well done, my good and faithful servant.'' Heaven certainly shines a little brighter. Save us all a spot, Jerry. The family will receive friends and family from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, and from 1 to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, at KRYNICKI FUNERAL HOME at 1007 Freeport Road in Natrona Heights (724-224-8778). The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 12, at St. Joseph Parish in Cabot (315 Stoney Hollow Road, Cabot, PA 16023. Please meet at the church. Burial will follow at Mt. Airy cemetery in Natrona Heights. Online condolences may be made at www.krynickifh.com.

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funeral mass
Saturday, December 10, 2016

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