Bob Malerba, former independent tire dealer and president of the Tire Industry Association (TIA), died of cancer on Monday, May 30, 2011. He was 64.
Malerba served as president of TIA in 2005-2006. He also served on the TIA (formerly the National Tire Dealers and Retreaders Association and Tire Association of North America) board for many years.
At one time, Malerba owned Malerba's Silver City Tire, a three-store commercial tire chain based in Meriden, Conn. He also ran a Bandag retread shop. In 2004, he sold the stores, which did business as Malerba's Tyre Man, to Jim Berlin (see "Berlin Bandag to buy Malerba's").
"Bob lost a courageous battle with cancer," says Blaise Pascale, his right-hand man at Malerba's. "How fitting that a retired military pilot pased away on Memorial Day."
“Everyone at TIA is saddened to hear of the death of our former president and friend, Bob Malerba," says TIA Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield.
"Bob cared very passionately about the success of TIA, and he showed this before, during and after his presidency. His service to TIA will not be forgotten, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends during this time of great loss.”
Survivers includes his wife of more than 40 years, Kitty, and his children, Jeffrey and Kymberly.
Calling hours are tentatively scheduled for Friday, June 3. He will be buried on Saturday, June 4.
To read about Malerba's life inside and outside the tire industry, click here.
