Rocco Gene Malarbi

It is with great sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved father, Rocco Gene Malarbi, 83, of Monessen, on Wednesday July 31, 2024. Rocco was a 1959 graduate of Monessen High School. He received a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Education at California State Teachers College and Superintendent’s papers from the University of Pittsburgh (H2P). Mr. Malarbi, dedicated his lifelong career to education. He began at Pittsburgh Public Schools as a Reading Specialist by day and teaching English as a Second Language by night. He continued to work in education for over two decades at Intermediate Unit 7 as Assistant Executive Director and Executive Director. Mr. Malarbi retired at his dream job, superintendent of schools at Monessen City School District, where it all began. His legacy at IU7 and Monessen City School District lives on in the new buildings/locations built under his leadership, countless young lives he touched, and the educational excellence from which he guided many educators. At Monessen City Schools it was not uncommon to see Mr. Malarbi eating lunch in the cafeteria with the students, cheering them on at sporting events, leading the Halloween parades and encouraging teachers to work as a team as they shaped the young lives of tomorrow. Let us not forget the importance of the window blind’s placement at the Middle/High School Complex. Rocco loved his community and was a proud Monessen Greyhound. He was a past Exalted Ruler of Monessen Elks Lodge #773 and a former member of the Knights of Columbus #954. He served on Monessen City Council and Monessen School Board. He was a member of Monessen Lions, Rotary, French, Italian, and Alpine Clubs. He was also a member of the Epiphany of Our Lord Catholic Church where he had served as a lector during mass and chairman for many church picnics. He was a master winemaker, vegetable gardener and enjoyed cooking traditional Italian meals during his retirement years. He was an avid golfer, Steelers and Pitt Fan, and season ticket holder for both. He shared his love of golf and sports with his family. Rocco’s most important titles in life were “Dad” to his four daughters and “Pap” to his 7 grandchildren. He was the original “girl dad”. He loved all our calls for advice, guidance, sports and education talks (except if it was a Monday after a Steeler loss). He was always there with support, love, and patience.  Pap adored his grandchildren and will live on through their golf games, love of sports, and North Myrtle Beach vacations. Rocco was preceded in death by his parents Edna and Nick Malarbi, Mother of his daughters Carole Sivek Malarbi, and beloved dog MIA.  He is survived by his daughters: Rochele (Patrick) Cantini of Monongahela, Renee (Ed) Rayburg of Venetia, Rosalyn Malarbi of Monessen, and Rebecca (Brook) Gardner of Fayette City; seven grandchildren: Celina and Gianni Cantini, Reed, Mara, and Madee Rayburg, and Brynn and Reece Gardner.  Rocco prided himself on being a great educator, Dad, and Pap. He will be greatly missed by so many. “Chindon”. A special thank you to the Hallsworth House, ViaQuest Hospice , and his nurse Joan. You were all so good with our Dad and us girls!  Friends will be received Tuesday, August 13, 2024 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the Dalfonso-Billick Funeral Home Inc. and Cremation Services, 441 Reed Avenue, Monessen. Services will be held on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 beginning with a blessing service in the funeral home at 9:30 am, followed by a Mass at 10:00 am at the Epiphany of Our Lord Church, with Monsignor James T. Gaston officiating. Interment will follow in Grandview Cemetery. Condolences are being accepted for the family at www.dalfonso-billick.com.