Gilbert Elias Malooly Sr.

Gilbert Elias Malooly Sr., Patriarch of the Malooly Family, was born in El Paso, Texas, on March 05, 1932, in the midst of the Great Depression. He was the son of Mamie Malooly and Elias Malooly, whom he loved very dearly. He is survived by his children, Chris Sr. (Elva), Gilbert Jr. (Rose), Greg (Sylvia), Cheryl and seven grandchildren: Brittany, Chris Jr., Macy, Zachary, Monique, Gilbert III (GEM), and Coury. He was preceded in death by "the love of his life" and wife of 62 years, Geraldine "Haifa" Abraham Malooly, his parents, his sister, Rosaleen Evans, and his brothers, Dr. Donald Malooly and John Malooly.

His early years were formed at Morehead School, then El Paso High School, and then Texas Western College now UTEP. At Texas Western College, he was a founder of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity and it's Vice President in 1951. He attended the University of Texas at Austin, but graduated from UTEP with a Degree in History and Government and received a Master's Degree in History. His master thesis, "The Syrians in El Paso," assigned by Dr. Waller, Head of the History Department, remains on display at the UTEP library. He also wrote a paper on the "First National Bank Building," also on display at the UTEP library. After graduating from college, he spent two years in the military service during the Korean War. Upon release with an honorable discharge, he chose to join his father in the flooring and real estate businesses, instead of continuing his law school education. He worked diligently to grow both businesses, which he did successfully. He grew the flooring business - (House of Carpets Inc.) Casa Carpet Wholesale Distributors - to become the largest distributor of carpet, tile, and wood in the El Paso Southwest, today with 104 continuous years in business and the only fourth generation flooring company in the U.S. He also found success in commercial real estate, developing and leasing many retail properties in all parts of El Paso. Even at the age of 89, he worked daily in both businesses, where he was revered and known as "Sr".

All through his life he remained close to his church, St. George Christian Orthodox Church, contributing his time, effort, and resources to its prosperity. He was a member of several clubs, but he was most proud of trying to help all of his employees whenever and wherever he could. He was also a prideful fan of UTEP athletics.

Gilbert always conveyed to members of his family, as well as those around him, his motto: Stay positive and never give up ("If you don't give up, they can't beat you"). He always spoke of the privilege he had to work with his father, his children, and his grandchildren. He was a man of profound honor and unbreakable conscience. His extraordinary wisdom, vision, savvy common sense, and compassionate attitude will surely be missed. Any regrets that he could have had were trumped in accordance with his favorite song, "Regrets, I've had a few, But then again, too few to mention." (My Way by Frank Sinatra)

Special thanks to his doctors; Dr. Edward Assi, Dr. Muneer Assi, Dr. Hatem, Dr. Spier, Dr. Halow, Dr. Alost, Dr. Rao, Dr. Pande, Dr. Armendariz, Dr. Anthony, and Dr. Sozer. A special thanks to all of his care-takers whom helped him. Another special thank you to Ricky Galindo, his caretaker, for his many years of help, and Alice Valdespino, who he worked with for 52 years. Private services will be held August 28th at 11:00 AM (Due to COVID restrictions, you may attend through zoom). In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. George Orthodox Christian Church.

"The most important things in my life are my faith, family, and employees, which are an extension of my life."

Honorary Pallbearers: Mike Dipp Jr., George Dipp, Rick Amstater, Georges Halloul, Norman Bryan, Mark Davis, David Osborn, Jimmy Salome, Randy Eiland, Albert Malooly Jr., and Richard Malooly (California)