From Tire Review

Former tire dealer and industry leader Bob Malerba passed away on May 30 after a long battle with cancer. He was 64.

Described as "the tire dealer's tire dealer," Malerba was the second-generation owner of Malerba’s Silver City Tire in Meriden, Conn., which included three commercial tire centers and a retread shop. He ran the business from 1983 to 2004, when he sold it to Berlin Bandag. Malerba stayed on with Berlin Bandag for a short period, then left to form his own consulting company.

Berlin Bandag later sold the business to Sullivan Tire in 2007, and earlier this year Sullivan Tire closed the last Silver City tire center.

A retired U.S. military pilot, Malerba also took a leadership role in the tire industry, serving for years on the Tire Industry Association (TIA) board and a number of committees, and eventually becoming president of TIA in 2005-06.

"Everyone at TIA is saddened to hear of the death of our former president and friend Bob Malerba,” said Roy Littlefield, TIA executive vice president, on behalf of the entire organization. “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.”

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Kitty; his mother, Helen; and children, Jeffrey and Kymberly.

A funeral service will be held June 3, and burial with full military honors will be held June 4 at the Connecticut State Veteran’s Cemetery in Middletown, Conn.

The family asks that contributions in his memory be made to the Meriden Boys & Girls Club or to the Jack Barry Little League in Meriden.