NILES, Ohio - Gilbert Anthony Macali, the owner of Macali's Giant Eagle, died peacefully in his home Saturday, May 25th.

According to the Vindicator, Macali was born on October 28, 1919 in Niles and married Dolores Lapolla on July 4, 1953.

As a young man, Gilbert was employed at Frech's Grocery.

In 1948, he and his brother, Palmer, opened their first grocery store, Macali's Deluxe Market in Niles.

He owned and operated supermarkets for 65 years, most recently as Macali's Giant Eagle.

He continued to go his store every day and worked up until age 90.

He was proud of the fact that many young people drew their first paycheck from a part-time job at his store.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, two sons, five grandchildren, one brother, two sisters, and several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call from 1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles, where the Mt. Carmel Bereavement Ministry will conduct prayers at 7:30 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Niles with Fr. John-Michael Lavelle officiating, preceded by a 9:30 a.m. prayer service at the funeral home.

Burial will be at Niles City Cemetery, where Gilbert will be honored for his military service by the Girard Veterans Council Honor Guard.