It is with profound sadness that we share the unexpected passing of our dear colleague, mentor, esteemed faculty member, and friend Professor Charles Maldarelli.
Professor Maldarelli joined the Chemical Engineering faculty at The City College of New York in 1981 as a member of the Benjamin Levich Institute for Physico-Chemical Hydrodynamics. For more than four decades, he distinguished himself as an internationally respected scholar in interfacial fluid mechanics, advancing research with applications ranging from the pharmaceutical industry to critical materials recovery. Throughout his career, Professor Maldarelli collaborated with colleagues across The Grove School of Engineering, CCNY, and around the world, leaving an enduring impact on both his field and the many research communities he served.
While his scholarly accomplishments were extraordinary, those who knew Charles will remember him most for his generosity, kindness, optimism, and unwavering dedication to his students. He cared deeply about every student he mentored, every class he taught, and the continued success of the Chemical Engineering Department. He took a genuine interest in the well-being of those around him, always making time to ask how each of us was doing and offering encouragement, wisdom, and support. His warmth, humility, and compassion made him not only an exceptional educator, but also a treasured colleague and friend.
A native New Yorker, Charles was born in Brooklyn and spent his early childhood in Bay Ridge before moving to Long Island. He earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in engineering from Columbia University before beginning his distinguished academic career at CCNY. Beyond his professional achievements, Charles was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, whose love for his family was evident in everything he did.
Funeral Arrangements Family, friends, colleagues, former students, and all whose lives Charles touched are welcome to attend the services.
Wake Thursday, July 30 3:00–7:00 p.m. Scanlan’s Funeral Home 781 Newark Pompton Turnpike Pompton Plains, NJ 07444
Funeral Mass Friday, July 31 10:00 a.m. Saint Mary’s Catholic Church 31 Pompton Avenue Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442
At the family’s request, guests are encouraged to wear Yankees blue—Professor Maldarelli’s favorite color—or another bright, cheerful color as a celebration of his life.
Following the services, the Maldarelli family warmly invites all who knew Charles to join them for a reception at their home celebrating his life.
Those wishing to learn more about Professor Maldarelli’s life or view his obituary may do so through the funeral home’s obituary page. Written by his daughter, Claire, it is a beautiful tribute that provides a window into Charles’ personal life. As you read it, you’ll recognize the same generous spirit, quiet humor, compassion, and genuine care for others that Charles shared with all of us at CCNY.
In lieu of flowers, the family is establishing a scholarship fund in Professor Maldarelli’s memory. Alternatively, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.
On behalf of The Grove School of Engineering, we extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Barbara, his daughters, Claire and Jennifer, his grandchildren, and the entire Maldarelli family. We are grateful for the privilege of having shared so many years with Charles and for the countless ways he enriched our community. His legacy will live on through the generations of students he inspired, the colleagues he supported, and the lasting contributions he made to engineering and science.
Sincerely,
Alexander Couzis, Ph.D. Dean Daniel and Frances Berg Professor Professor of Chemical Engineering The Grove School of Engineering
The Grove School of Engineering The City College of New York
