Victor "Vic" (Sonny) C. Maccarelli

Of Monroeville, age 83, passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, January 4, 2026. He is survived by his wife of 59 years Carmela (Ferraro); daughters Lisa (John Russo) Maccarelli, Marla (Sean) Sciara, Marisa (Orlando Harris) Maccarelli-Harris; grandchildren Ava, Isabella, and Luca Sciara; Marcco, Lyla, Gino, and Jordon (Lucy) Harris; siblings Ron “Lefty”(Frances) Dionisio, Gene (Domenica) Dionisio, Donata (Bill) Dively, and Glenn (Patty) Dionisio and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Mark and Laura Maccarelli and his siblings Laura Mae (Jack) Mullen, Mary Jane (Clinton) Fresch, William “Bill” Dennis (Rachel Snell).

Born on August 27, 1942, Vic grew up in Pitcairn and, in 1960, was a member of the first graduating class of Gateway High School. From a young age, athletics played an important role in his life. He was a two-sport athlete playing both baseball and football and becoming part of a group of young men that began the proud tradition of Gateway athletics. After serving his country in the US Army National Guard, Vic went on to play football and baseball at Indiana University of Pennsylvania while pursuing a degree in education. He began his teaching and coaching career at Trafford High School, and in 1973, returned “home” to Gateway School District. He served as the Assistant Principal at Monroeville Junior High School until 1983. That year brought about the consolidation of Monroeville and South Junior High Schools into Gateway Junior High School. He was the Assistant Principal in this school until 1992 when he became Principal. In 1993, Gateway Junior High School became Gateway Middle School, and Vic proudly served in the role of principal until his retirement in 2001. He is a member of the Gateway Sports Hall of Fame and the PA Sports Hall of Fame - East Boros Chapter.

Vic was a devoted family man who dedicated his life to giving back to his community. In his 35 plus years as a coach and educator, he made an incredible impact on the thousands of young people who walked through his buildings year after year. He reminded everyone around him that schools were built for kids and made every effort to make them the center of his work each and every day. He knew each kid by name (until his last day) and established long-lasting relationships with many of the families in his district. He was a talented athlete, committed coach, and avid sports fan. Probably the only thing he loved more than sports were his grandchildren. He was born to be “Pap” and wore that title with great pride.

All are welcome on Wednesday, January 7 from 2 to 8 pm at Patrick T. Lanigan Funeral Home, Turtle Creek/Monroeville Chapel, 1111 Monroeville Avenue, Turtle Creek, PA 15145 (412 – 823-9350).

Mass of Christian Burial in St. Regis Church, Trafford, on Thursday at 10 am.

Vic will be laid to rest with Military Honors at Good Shepherd Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either Blood Cancer United (bloodcancer.org) or Pete Antimarino Scholarship Fund (www.coachascholarship.com) or sent to 3961 Monroeville Blvd., Monroeville, PA 15146 ATTN: Tony Petrocelli.