The gymnasium at Marian Catholic High School was renamed Monday and dedicated to the school’s former principal, John P. “Jack” Malarkey.

The announcement was made by the Rev. Allen Hoffa, head of the school, with remarks by Coach Stan Dakosty.

Malarkey’s tenure as Marian Catholic’s principal ran from 1978 to 1998.

Sister Bernard Agnes, I.H.M., who succeeded Malarkey as principal in the 1998-99 school year, recalled her teaching days at Marian under Malarkey’s leadership, then related the role the principal played during the transition in which she became his successor.

Now a teacher at the Allentown Diocese Kolbe Academy, a Christ-centered school for high school students in recovery from substance addiction in Bethlehem, she made the trip to Hometown to help celebrate the honor bestowed upon her “friend.”

She said, “I am thrilled that Jack is being accorded this honor. He certainly deserves it. Jack Malarkey’s contribution to Marian goes without saying. He has been a teacher, coach, assistant principal and principal from its foundation and has been the leading reason for its success.

“He was there from the beginning - encouraging, leading and doing everything in his power to ensure the school’s success (even doing the grunt work on the roof and at the sewer plan).”

She said she has always been inspired by him.

“When I was blessed to be appointed principal, Jack was always available with advice when I asked. He never gave me direction unless asked, so I had the freedom to do things my way, but I knew I had his support. It made for a smooth transition as we both loved Marian High School and that was the most important part.”

Malarkey has been part of Catholic education locally for parts of nine decades, starting in the late 1940s with his own studies at the former St. Jerome’s School, Tamaqua, a predecessor to Marian Catholic High School, and then continuing at Marian from 1960 to the present.

During that time, Malarkey has worn a multitude of hats, ranging from teacher to coach, assistant principal and principal. In addition, he is a Marian parent, grandfather, supporter and, most especially, volunteer, a role he never stopped playing since the day he started.

At the conclusion of the Mass, the Rev. Hoffa told the student body, faculty and a limited amount of guests (due to the 250-person COVID-19 pandemic CDC guidelines capacity allowance) of Marian’s plans to have the gymnasium bear Malarkey’s name for posterity.

The facility will undergo complete renovations, including new bleachers and other improvements. The stage in the gymnasium has already been completely done over, he said.

Malarkey, whose 87th birthday is today, was showered with praises from the Rev. Allen Hoffa, Head of School; and Stan Dakosty, longtime football coach and athletic director.

Dakosty, who Malarkey hired in 1976 and who had worked as close to Malarkey as anyone, commented, “I wouldn’t be standing here today if it weren’t for the man we’re honoring this morning. Jack Malarkey’s influence on Marian Catholic High School and the Marian family has been incredible and it’s only fitting that he’s being honored in this manner.”

Dakosty added, “Jack is a genuine man. He was genuine when I first met him and he’s genuine now. The big thing about him is there is no job too big or too small for him. One minute, he could be working on a budget, and the next minute, he’d be raking leaves or cooking bleenies.”

Hoffa said Malarkey is relentless in support of Marian. He said, “Catholic education has been shaping the minds, hearts and souls of young people in the United States for almost 250 years. The success of Catholic education has heavily depended on the dedication and sacrifice of extraordinary educators like Jack Malarkey.

“Mr. Malarkey’s contributions to Marian Catholic, both seen and unseen, have built the foundation of our exceptional education and ensures that our family will be here for many years to come. I think it is fitting that the gymnasium, a space used for multiple purposes and by every Marian Catholic student, is dedicated to a man who gave his all to every facet of our school.”

The school is planning a gala dedication ceremony to be held in Malarkey’s honor for Jan. 30.