Gilbert A. Macali, Jr., 68, of Niles, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, August 29, 2026.

Gil, as he was known to family and friends, was born September 16, 1957, to Gilbert A. Macali, Sr. and Dolores P. Macali. A lifelong resident of Niles, he graduated from Niles McKinley High School in 1975. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from John Carroll University and a Master of Arts degree from The Ohio State University.

Gil and his brother Robert, were second generation co-owners of Macali's Deluxe Supermarket, founded in 1948 by their father and uncle. As a teen, Gil was schooled by his father in the grocery business, starting with stocking shelves and bagging groceries. "We didn't realize what a great opportunity we were offered then," said Gil to the Niles Times. "When you're young, you do what you're told. We were never forced to be involved, we made our own choices. We thank our dad for that." Later, he helped lead the expansion Macali's Giant Eagle, as it is now known. Throughout his career, he showed appreciation for customers and the community by taking the lead on projects like Adopt-A-School at Bonham Elementary School in Niles.

Gil was known for his deep voice, kind heart, generous spirit, and his ability to enjoy every meal with gusto. He savored good food and never missed an opportunity to enjoy a great restaurant or watch the Food Network. He was a certified Master Scuba Diver and had a wonderful sense of adventure. Ventures included scuba diving in the Caribbean, traveling to Paris and Hawaii, enjoying Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio and Siesta Key, Florida, and swing dancing.

He was a valued member of a local trivia team, getting an early start as he read the World Book Encyclopedia from A-Z when he was 10 years old. He rarely missed Jeopardy! and would chime in with correct answers, seemingly out of the blue.

Gil was fluent in Spanish and had a lifelong appreciation for language and culture. While in graduate school, he studied in Mexico. With his visiting parents, Gilbert attended a local bullfight where, to his great surprise, the bull ran up into the stands. The unforgettable story was recounted many times over the years and became a treasured family memory.

Gil had a love of the theatre and music. He was in Singing Beaus ensemble in high school and he was fondly remembered for his role as Big Jule in a 1970s performance of Guys and Dolls.

Active in Niles Rotary, Gil was past president and honored as a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a supporter of local charities and took great pleasure in being of service to others.

Gil was never happier than when he was surrounded by family, especially during holidays and special celebrations. His family was at the center of his life, and he cherished the time they spent together.

He is survived by his daughters, Nicoll Tauro (Greg) of Niles and Jessica Macali of Niles; his son, Gilbert A. Macali III of Seattle, Washington; his sister, Virginia Macali of Upper Arlington; his brother, Robert Macali of Niles; his former wife, Dorothy Morrow; and his aunt, Diane (Lapolla) Williams of Niles. He is also survived by many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews, and by Rotary exchange student Virgilio Medina of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with whom the family remains close.

Gil was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert A. Macali, Sr. and Dolores P. Macali.

The family extends its heartfelt thanks to Stephanie Zeigler and all of the dedicated caregivers who cared for Gil with compassion and kindness.

Friends may call Wednesday, September 2, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00PM at The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles where prayers will be conducted at 6:30PM

Gil was a lifelong member of Saint Pope John Paul XXIII Parish–Our Lady of Mount Carmel Campus where Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 3, 2026 with Fr. Leo Wehrlin officiating preceded by a 10:30AM prayer service at the funeral home.

Burial will follow at Niles City Cemetery.

The family requests that material tributes be made to a local charity or organization of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements are being handled by Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles.

To share a memory, send a condolence, or view sympathy flowers and gifts, please visit Gil’s tribute page at www.josephrossifuneralhome.com