Longtime St. Pius coach Maloof dies
He was a standout football player at Georgia Tech and coached countless athletes during his career. He inspired his two sons into careers coaching high school football.
But there was more to George Maloof than just football.
"Football was his conduit, but he was such a great man," said his older son, Kevin Maloof. "The things that he instilled in so many people were great."
Sunday afternoon, George Bernard Maloof lost his battle with cancer. He died at his Atlanta home at the age of 79.
As a member of Georgia Tech's 1951 undefeated squad, Maloof scored four touchdowns in a 48-6 win over the University of Georgia. After two years of service in the Air Force, he joined the football staff at his alma mater, Marist.
In 1958, a new Catholic high school opened in Atlanta. Maloof was selected as head football coach for St. Pius X Catholic High School, where he went on to spend 26 years.
"He was the winningest coach in St. Pius history," Kevin Maloof said.
George Maloof compiled a 168-82-12 record at St. Pius before resigning in 1984. He led the Golden Lions to a state championship and seven region or sub-region titles.
"Pius is just like a baby of mine, and when your kids grow up, if you love them enough, you let them go," he said at the time.
The stadium at the school is now named after the legendary coach, who later served as an assistant coach at both Henderson and Meadowcreek high schools. After his retirement, he was often seen cheering on his sons. Kevin Maloof is the current head coach at Dacula High School, and Keith Maloof coaches at Norcross High School.
Along with the St. Pius stadium named in Maloof's honor, this year's football team has been wearing his initials on the back of the football helmets to pay tribute to Maloof in his declining health. Maloof made it to one home game this year, watching the action from his car on the track, with former players and alumni lining up to greet him at halftime.
"Coach Maloof is St. Pius," said current Coach Paul Standard. "Everything at the school has his mark on it in some form or manner, and he started just about every tradition. He will always be the St. Pius football coach. I am just the caretaker of this job, as will be the person that comes after me."
A viewing will be held Wednesday at St. Pius, followed by a 2 p.m. funeral on Thursday in the stadium.
His family gathered Sunday evening at the home Maloof shared with his wife of 32 years, Anita.
“My dad did not teach in the classroom or the field," his daughter Kathy Kieffer said. "He taught by living. We are celebrating his life."
Maloof, who was predeceased by his first wife and two sons, is survived by another daughter Karen Rackley, 13 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and his mother-in-law, Louise Sawyer.
— Michael Carvell contributed to this report.
