Obituary of Gerard A. Malanga

Gerard Malanga passed away on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at the age of 61. He was born on February 24, 1961 in Montclair, New Jersey where he was raised by the late Lorenzo and Antoinette with his brother Anthony and sister Rita.

Gerard is survived by his wife Carrie, his sons Luke and John, his daughters Tara and Grace, his granddaughter Rose, and son in law Augustin.

Gerard attended high school at Seton Hall Prep, before studying Biology at Villanova University. After graduating from UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School in 1987, Gerard went on to complete a sports medicine fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota and became a Senior Associate Consultant. He was Director of Sports, Spine and Orthopedic rehabilitation at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, then Director of Sports Medicine at Mountainside Hospital, and Director of Pain Management at Overlook Hospital.

Gerard was a mentor, leader and friend to so many physicians who looked up to him as a guiding light in the field. As a physician, Gerard dedicated his life to helping those around him. He established his own private practice, New Jersey Sports Medicine, where he could spend time caring for his patients — listening to them intently and searching for new treatment approaches. More recently he had the
opportunity to work side-by-side with his son, Luke.

“Dr. Malanga” to his patients and those who knew him professionally, but to his friends and family, he was just “Gerry.” At home he cared for family, neighbors, friends or anyone who knocked on the door.

His passion for work was only surpassed by his love for his family. As “Dad” it brought him joy to drive Grace to college at a moment's notice, answer Tara’s calls even in the midst of the work day, and have collaborative discussions with Luke. He took enthusiastic interest in any topic that John presented. He also made sure to call home to his wife every day as he drove back from the office.

Everyday throughout their 33 years of marriage, Gerard thought first about his wife and how he could make her smile.

He was happiest, Monday evenings playing basketball with friends, Sundays in Sea Girt, August in the Adirondacks, and special trips to visit his family in Materdomini, Italy.

Gerard was a generous, hardworking and faith-filled man. Each day he brought a contagious joy for life and a thoughtful, intellectual demeanor. Above all, he was a devoted husband and father. His legacy lives beyond his own life, through the lives of his family and colleagues who are continuing to follow in his faith and love.

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love”

All are kindly invited to attend a visitation on Monday, May 16, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM held at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison NJ.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the funeral on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Corpus Christi Parish, 234 Southern Blvd, Chatham Township, NJ. Repast to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gerard’s memory to Corpus Christi Parish.