Obituary

Eugene (Gene) O’Malley, 91, of Dumont, New Jersey, passed away at home on Friday, January 24, surrounded by his loving family. Born to Patrick and Mary O’Malley (née Murray), Gene was predeceased by his wife, MaryAnne (Schaitberger) O’Malley, and his five siblings: Patrick O’Malley II, Mary Ferraro, Grace Spencer, Joan O’Malley, and William O’Malley.

Gene was born in Morrisania Hospital in the Bronx, and grew up in the Yorkville section of Manhattan. He graduated from Haaren High School in Midtown in just three years. His strong family values were instilled in him when, at a very young age, he took on the physically demanding job of delivering ice in the neighborhood. He took great pride in helping to support his parents during difficult times.

After getting married, Gene and his wife settled in New Jersey, where they raised their family and resided for more than 50 years. In 1967, he joined the New York Steamfitters Union, Local 638, and worked for them until his retirement in 1995. He was honored to be a part of the rebuilding effort of the World Trade Center after the 1993 bombing. Additionally, he worked at ARMO HVAC Services to help support his growing family. Gene served the local community as a member of the Dumont Police Department Reservists.

Gene had a great love for the outdoors and enjoyed many simple pleasures. Multiple walks around town were a part of his daily routine. He took it upon himself to clean the local park and enjoyed gifting any found tennis balls to the neighborhood dogs. He always had room in his heart for the family pets, which sometimes included orphaned squirrels.

Gene enjoyed challenging himself with crossword puzzles and Sudoku. He learned sign language and enjoyed dabbling in poetry. He played competitive handball and became an avid target shooter. But his greatest happiness was spending time with the ones he loved. He will forever be remembered by All who knew him for the love and devotion he had for his family. 

He is survived by his six loving children: Patricia Price (William), Christine O’Malley-Moore, MaryAnne Stellon (Andrew), Kathleen Wise, Eugene O’Malley Jr., and KellyAnne King (Arthur); 11 grandchildren: KerryAnne Tadiello, Gerard Ridings, Kenneth Wise, Ashley Girgis, Jessica Stellon-Meeks, Brian Wise, Christopher Wise, Brandi Moore, Andrew Stellon, Nicholas Moore, and Brandon Stellon; and 10 great-grandchildren: Sean, Maggie, Emily, Nathan, Bella, Clementine, Archer, Serena, Oliver, and Beau.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 29, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Frech-McKnight Funeral Home, 161 Washington Ave, Dumont, NJ 07628.

A Funeral Mass will take place on Thursday, January 30, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church, 280 Washington Avenue, Dumont, NJ 07628.

Cremation will be private.