Dolores P. Macali

Dolores P. (Lapolla) Macali of Niles passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at the age of 94. She was born in Niles on April 13, 1930, to Samuel and Mary (Bartik) Lapolla. After graduating from Niles McKinley High School in 1948, Dolores earned her bachelor of arts degree from Flora Stone Mather College, the women's college of what is now Case Western Reserve University. On July 4, 1953, she married fellow lifelong Niles resident Gilbert A. Macali Sr., to whom she remained married until his death in 2013. Gilbert A. Macali was well-known as a co-owner of Macali's Giant Eagle in Niles. The couple raised three children together. Dolores' life centered on family, faith, career and community. She was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Niles and a member of Young of Heart. Dolores was never happier than when surrounded by family and friends at dinners and holiday celebrations. She loved sharing in the activities of her children and grandchildren, including all school events. Dolores also enjoyed lifelong friendships with people she grew up with in Niles. Her college friendships also continued for more than 70 years. Every year a small group of college friends got together for trips, fun activities and to reminisce about their college lives and beyond. Her many interests included playing bridge, reading, golfing, playing piano, knitting, quilting and gardening. She belonged to a trivia group and rarely missed Jeopardy! She did the New York Times crossword puzzle in ink every Sunday. Dolores taught classes of American History and Problems of Democracy at Niles McKinley High School. She went back to school in her 50s, receiving a master's of education from Kent State University in the 1980s. She concluded her teaching career in Niles as the librarian in the high school and retired in 1992. Dolores' love of history led her to several prominent volunteer roles. She was a trustee of the McKinley Memorial Library board and served several terms as board president. During her board tenure, the McKinley Memorial auditorium was restored to its original splendor and the McKinley Birthplace Home and Research Center was built. Dolores was instrumental in obtaining period furniture and décor for the replica of the 1840s-styled home. She also volunteered at many other local organizations, including the Jack and Jill Nursery School board, Cub Scout Den Mother, and Washington Elementary School PTA president. Dolores delivered Mobile Meals, read to the blind, and was a charter member of the Niles Beautification Commission. She belonged to the Niles Historical Society, Friends of the Library, and was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow by the Niles Rotary. As a longtime member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority, Dolores participated in the sorority's annual projects benefitting many charitable organizations. Dolores was devoted to arts organizations as well; she was a member of The Butler Institute's Trustee's Circle, Stambaugh Pillars, the Town Hall Lecture Series and a Monday Musical Club patron. In addition to her husband Gilbert Sr., Dolores was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her daughter, Virginia Macali, of Upper Arlington; two sons, Gilbert Macali Jr., and Robert Macali, both of Niles; and five grandchildren, Nicoll Tauro (Greg), Jessica, Gilbert III, Vincent and Anthony. Also surviving is her sister, Diane (Lapolla) Williams, of Niles; many beloved nieces and nephews; and Rotary exchange student Virgilio Medina, of Rio de Janeiro, with whom the family remains close. The family especially thanks Norma Goodheart, who assisted for many years, and to all the dedicated caregivers and helpers who cared for Dolores in recent months. Friends may call from 5 to 7PM Thursday at The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles where prayers will be held at 6:30PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10AM Friday at Saint Pope John XXIII, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Campus, 381 Robbins Ave, Niles, Ohio 44446, preceded by a 9:30AM prayers service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Niles City Cemetery. The family requests that material tributes be made to a charity or organization of the donor's choice. Arrangements are being handled by The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles. Family and friends can visit www.josephrossifuneralhome.com to view this obituary and send condolences to Dolores's family To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dolores P. Macali, please visit our floral store.