Gerald P. O'Malley

I have finished the race.

I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:7

Gerald P. O’Malley of Croton-on-Hudson, NY, passed away on Thursday, November 26, 2020. He was 59 years old.

Gerry was born on January 5, 1961 in the Bronx, NY to Patrick Joseph O’Malley of Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare, Ireland and Theresa Treacy of Killea, Co. Tipperary, Ireland.

Gerry is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Joanne Connaire O’Malley; loving son John Patrick O’Malley and his devoted father, Patrick Joseph O’Malley,

His caring Brothers-in-Law’s John Connaire (wife Maureen Morrison) and Patrick

Connaire (wife Dana Smilowitz) as well as Sister-in-Law Maureen Connaire Murphy (husband Christopher Murphy) and his Goddaughter Ashley Langan. He is also survived by many caring aunts, uncles, cousins, a niece, nephews and friends, especially Tommy and Margie Langan. He was predeceased by his mother Theresa Treacy O’Malley in 2018, his sister Claire O’Malley in 2017 and his brother Patrick in 2019. His Mother and Father-in Laws Joe and Ann Connaire.

A memorial mass will be celebrated at 10 AM on Monday, December 7, 2020 at Holy Name of Mary Church, 110 Grand St., Croton-on-Hudson, NY. In lieu of flowers please send a donation to the Gerald O’Malley Memorial Scholarship: Manhattan College, Memorial Hall, Room 100 4513 Manhattan College Parkway Riverdale, NY 10471 Attn: Kathy Muskopf

Gerry O’Malley’s humble beginnings began in the Bronx. He attended St. John’s Elementary School on Godwin Terrace and then in 5th grade his family moved to Long Island for a bit before moving back to his parents’ home land of Ireland. Gerry received his Leaving Cert (Ireland’s version of HS Diploma), returning to New York in January 1978 and graduating from Cardinal Hayes H.S. in 1979.

Gerry attended Manhattan College and graduated in 1983 with a degree of B.S. in Business Administration. Nine months after graduation he finally got a break and began his career at the American Broadcasting Company, retiring January 2017 after 33 years at the company. His first job at ABC was in their computer headquarters mailroom in Hackensack, NJ delivering reams of paper. After waiting a year for a new computer class to start within the company, he was told they were postponing it another six months. Gerry wasn’t willing to wait so he applied for a job with the ABC Sales Services Department in NYC.

Lo and behold, at his interview for a position with the Sales Services Department, he was interviewed by another St. John’s/Kingsbridge native and fellow Manhattan College alum, Pete Scanlon. As the story goes he was asked by Pete are you Mike O’Malley’s brother and Gerry said, “No, that’s my cousin.” Pete told him he was hired once he ran it by his boss Jim McFail, who Gerry knew from Jim’s Irish Music career. This friendship with Pete and his family continues to this day.

Gerry’s work ethic and never quit attitude was unmatched. He was authentic, real and never hesitated to lend a hand to anyone. He mentored many, especially on how to do things the ABC way. Gerry’s many positions throughout the sales departments at ABC/ Capital Cities/Disney allowed him to enjoy many one-of-a-kind experiences that most people would never get to do. Oh, how he loved ABC hospitality parties such as West Point tailgate/tent parties, Belmont Stakes, and he even enjoyed going to Mets playoff games, even though he was a diehard Yankee fan. He loved going to Monday Night Football games and a few Super Bowls, but his all-time favorite ABC experience was going to the Calgary Olympics in 1988.

During his years as V.P. of Sales for Daytime/Soapnet he attended and participated in many Daytime Casino Nights, Daytime Emmy Awards and Super Soap Weekends in Florida. One of the final thrills for Gerry before his retirement was being able to bring his wife Joanne to the 2015 Academy Awards in Los Angeles. Not sure who was more excited that Weekend!

Gerry was a big kid at heart and loved to tease, joke with, and prank people. As his niece Meaghan and Nephews Joe, Sean, P.J., Ryan, Christopher, Patrick, Brendan & Brian knew that about him all too well. How many time have we heard, “OH UNCLE GERRY!!!”?

Gerry loved boating, riding Wave Runners, and snowmobiling in the Adirondacks. For Gerry, fast was never fast enough. Gerry loved his Budweiser beers, Jameson whiskey, morning coffee, vanilla milkshakes and of course his Coca-Cola (he always told stories about his job making deliveries for Coca-Cola with his friend DJ McSweeney while they were attending college). Gerry’s love of a good sandwich was well know…..how many times and how many people were a part of his “You Fly and I Buy” during his career? He loved his ham & cheese, roast beef and, of course his weekly “Friday night grilled cheese”. His all-time favorite meal, though, was a hearty serving of meat and potatoes- there could never be enough potatoes.

Gerry loved his New York Yankees, and attended numerous games at the Stadium with Joanne, John Patrick and friends and relatives. When we can safely gather and the Stadium is open again, his friends and family will be invited to join Gerry’s family at a game to celebrate his life. He balanced out the pride of being a lifelong Yankees fan with his disappointment of being a New York Jets fan and always waiting for the NY Rangers to win another Stanley Cup. He also supported his favorite soccer team, Manchester United.

Gerry’s love of his friends and family was well-known and never-ending. His friendship with Tommy Langan started when they were in elementary school and when Gerry returned from Ireland they picked up right where they left off. From weekends in Coxsackie, New York, New Baltimore, New York, Rockaway, NJ and Croton-on-Hudson, NY to many day trips and vacations together, including an unbelievable Mediterranean Cruise in 2017, Tommy, his wife Margie and their two daughters, Ashley, who is Gerry’s goddaughter, and Caitlin, are considered more than family.

Gerry loved visiting his many aunts, uncles and cousins both here in the States and in Ireland and England. Those visits and trips were always so special to him. Gerry’s Irish heritage was such an important part of his life. He belonged to a few Irish organizations including the Claremans Association, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and most importantly he was the first American born President of the Miltown Malbay Social Club of New York.

Gerry had so much pride in his son John Patrick. When John Patrick was born over 26 yrs. ago you could not find a prouder dad. He always made of point to get home that first year for John Patrick’s last bottle. Gerry was like a baby whisperer, he was the best at swaddling and could always get him to sleep! Gerry loved watching John Patrick grow up – from playing with cars and trains, teaching his son how to ride a bike, having games of catch, coaching John Patrick in AYSO soccer, and teaching him how to drive a car, Gerry always made John Patrick his priority. Gerry’s biggest joy came when John Patrick decided to attend Manhattan College just like his father. Gerry wore a smile from ear to ear when John Patrick graduated with a Civil Engineering degree.

Through most of these journeys of Gerry’s life his wife of 35 years, Joanne, was by his side. They just celebrated this milestone on October 26. Though they were in the same kindergarten class at St. John’s, they officially met in October of 1979 and remained a team ever since. They made the move to Croton-on-Hudson 30 years ago, and together they loved hosting family dinners, holidays, and weekend barbeques at their home. They found immense joy working on their house, gardening, and taking day trips and vacations together.

They loved drives to the mountains and the seashore, going apple picking and attending county fairs, and visiting friends and family both near and far. Their travels together brought them to over 30 states, including Alaska and Hawaii, and to multiple countries, and they traveled to their beloved Ireland nine times. Gerry hated not being able to travel during this pandemic.

Gerry was predeceased by his Mom, Theresa, his Sister Claire and his Brother Patrick, as well as many aunts and uncles and a few cousins as well. Gerry leaves behind his father Patrick “PJ” who is the strongest man Gerry knew. Gerry also leaves behind his wife Joanne Connaire O’Malley and their son John Patrick.

He may leave us behind but he leaves us the memory of him being a gentleman, a friend, a mentor, a son, a dad, a husband, a brother, a nephew, a cousin, an uncle, a motivator, a confidant, a teacher, a pal, a jokester, a generous person, an honest person and especially a determined person. His kindness will never be forgotten.

Gerry fought the good fight, he finished the race and always kept the faith.