Born: September 4, 1946 - Deceased: July 18, 2024
John Edward O’Malley, 77, of Belleville, Illinois, born September 4, 1946 in East St. Louis, Illinois, passed away July 18, 2024 at his home.
Johnny was a proud United States Marine Corps veteran. He walked away from an academic scholarship at Notre Dame University to enlist with the Corps during the Vietnam War. Although he did not often talk of his service as part of K Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, John was a “tunnel rat,” performing search and destroy missions under unthinkably dangerous combat conditions. He also miraculously survived the notorious Battle of Hue, a major battle in the Tet Offensive. Blessed with a quirky sense of humor, Johnny was known to say that he survived two tours in ‘Nam and life with six sisters. He cherished family, valued patriotism, rooted for the Fighting Irish, was up for a canoe trip on a moment’s notice, and had a joke ready for any occasion.
He was preceded in death by his:
- Parents, Edward F. and Martha R., nee Richardson, O’Malley
- Life-long love, Carolyn Ann Crilly
- Brother, Michael O’Malley
- Brothers-in-law:
- Bruce Perkins
- Allen Sikorski
Surviving are his:
- Daughters:
- Martha Ann O’Malley
- Erin Elise (Daniel Shackles) O’Malley
- Grandson, Declan John Shackles
- Sisters:
- Mary Perkins
- Annabelle Gillespie
- Barbara Daley
- Melissa (Mike) Walsh
- Trudy (Rick) Effinger
- Sheila (Mike) Hunsicker
- Sister-in-law, Susan (John Barenkamp) O’Malley
- Many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Greater St. Louis Honor Flight
Funeral: A Graveside Service with military honors will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Belleville, IL, with Father Clyde Grogan officiating.
12 Comments
So sorry for your loss. Sounds like a great guy
Erin,
Please accept my deepest condolences during this difficult time of loss.
Prayers going up for you and your family.
Diane
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Erin. We are so sorry for your loss
Though I didn’t know Mr. O’Malley personally, I work with and adore Erin. Her grace and compassion tells me that without a doubt, Mr. O’Malley was a fine human. My heart goes out to you and your family. I wish peace and comfort for all of you, and may Mr. O’Malley rest in peace.
John was a great neighbor you you will be missed rip
John was a good friend all my life
And I will miss him
“Johnnie” o’Malley along with many other grade school friends from Blessed Sacrament school here in Belleville hung around together during winters, sledding down Glenview Drive, weekend sleepovers, and Summers on the west end getting into “trouble” whenever possible. He worked with me at my dad‘s grocery store on the West End for maybe a year or two during summers when he was back from his high school in Subiaco, Arkansas. I did not have much contact with him after that, but I will always think of him as one of my best grade school friends. I hope he’s getting the peace that he earned and deserves now for all the heartbreak that he endured during his service in the Vietnam war. He made America safer for me.
John: Thank you for these wonderful remembrances! The O’Malleys and Carpenters went back a good long while with many deep friendships. All the best to you and yours,
Annabelle,
So very sorry to hear about Johnny.
He was always quick to show that big smile and offer a good joke.
He was a master at organizing workspaces and patient in the process.
Most importantly, Johnny had a huge heart, which I found to be a family trait after knowing you!
Please know Rick and I are thinking of you and your whole family.
Rick & Vikki Bisso
Johnny was one of a kind person. I’ve known him for quite some time. Our time together was brief, we laughed and cried together. As I listen to his life story and he is incredible journey during his life. He is thoughtful and kind, that is Johnny I know. I will always remember and cherished his friendship in my heart. I will keep forever the memories he wants shared with me. My deepest sympathy to all of this family.
Sincerely,
Judy Bender
Annabelle, So very sorry to hear about Johnny.
He was always quick with that big smile, offering a good joke!
He was a master at organizing workspaces and with such patience.
Most importantly, Johnny had a huge heart which I learned must be a family trait in knowing you.
Please know Rick and I are thinking of you and your whole family.
Rick & Vikki Bisso
Johnny was one of kind.my condolences to the family.