In the wake of the passing of beloved educator and principal John P. “Jack” Malarkey, ’51, an anonymous alumnus of Marian Catholic High School has pledged a matching gift of $25,000 to help endow the John ’51 and Jane Malarkey Scholarship Fund at Marian in perpetuity.

In tribute to the life and legacy of “Mr. Marian,” the donor has announced that every dollar donated to the scholarship fund through Father’s Day on Sunday will be matched dollar for dollar up to $25,000.

A minimum of $50,000 is needed as to endow a scholarship at Marian. As of Tuesday morning, alumni, parents and friends have contributed more than $12,000 to the fund.

Malarkey’s impact on the Marian Catholic community is immeasurable. A graduate of the St. Jerome’s High School Class of 1951, he served as teacher, coach and principal, and continued to dedicate his retirement years to the school he loved. Whether working in the concession stand, substitute teaching, or cheering from the stands, Malarkey’s presence was a constant reminder of selfless service and Marian pride.

“His humility, grace, and tireless service is a motivation to me, and has left a lasting impression on all of us,” said David Bielen, chairman of the school’s board of directors. “It is our job as a Marian family to carry on Mr. Malarkey’s legacy for years to come. How special would it be for Jack to have the largest endowment at Marian. I’m calling on every Marian alumni and every Marian family to make a gift to the scholarship fund of any amount so we can secure the $25,000 matching gift.”

Donations may be made online at https://boostmyschool.com/mariancatholichs-malarkey-scholarship-fund, or mailed to Marian Catholic High School, Attn: Advancement Office, 166 Marian Ave., Tamaqua, PA 18252.

Services for Malarkey will begin tonight with a visitation from 6-9 p.m. at the John P. “Jack” Malarkey ’51 Gymnasium, Marian Catholic High School. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. John XXIII Parish, Tamaqua. There will be visitation from 10-11 a.m. in the social hall.

The service will be livestreamed on the parish’s website and Facebook page.

“As we remember the remarkable life of Mr. Jack Malarkey, we invite the Marian community to honor him through stories, prayers, and contributions that will ensure his legacy of faith, service, and education endures,” the school said.

Marian Catholic High School opened in September 1954 and has graduated more than 8,000 students, now living in all 50 states and abroad.

The school also calls alumni from the four predecessor high schools, Saint Ann’s High School in Lansford, Saint Mary’s High School in Coaldale, Saint Jerome’s High School in Tamaqua, and Mauch Chunk Catholic High School in Jim Thorpe as its own.”