Gill Joyce Genealogy

William O'Malley (1921-1999)

COLONEL WILLIAM P. O’MALLEY

Colonel William (Bill) Patrick O’Malley, of Valley Terrace, Stauffer Heights, died Tuesday in Moses Taylor Hospital, Scranton.

He was born in Sayre, son of the late John and Viola Brown O’Malley and was a graduate of Moosic High School. He attended West Chester College and the University of Scranton.

Mr. O’Malley was an Army veteran of World war II. He served as an enlisted man and was promoted to rank of First Sergeant. He attended Infantry Office Candidate School and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1942. He was eventually assigned to the 101st Regiment 26th Infantry Division as a platoon leader. He served in the European Theater and was one of the youngest Infantry Company Commanders in the 26th Division.

He later joined the army reserve and returned to active duty as a major during the Korean Conflict. During the war, he served as commanding officer of the Wilkes-Barre Army Recruiting Station. He remained on active duty until 1968, during which time he served as military advisor to the Shah of Iran. He was also support commander for the Korean Theater of Operations.

Mr. O’Malley served at the Pentagon on the Army General Staff as an advisor for reserve components in regards to training matters. His last assignment, from 1965 to 1968 was as a senior advisor to the 55th Brigade Headquarters, Scranton. He retired from active service as a full colonel in 1968 after 26 years of service.

After his military service, he was employed in management positions at International Correspondence School, Scranton, most recently as distribution manager of the company, retiring in 1980. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church, Pittston, and its Holy Name Society. He was also a member of Moosic American Legion and VFW Shopa Davey Post 6082, Peckville.

Surviving are his wife, the former Lois A. Kane; brother, John, Daytona Beach, Fla.; sisters, Mary Kelly, Avoca; Mildred Sileo, Ossening, N.Y.; nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be Friday at 10 from Kniffen O’Malley Funeral Home, Inc., 728 Main St., Avoca, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 in St. John the Evangelist Church, Pittston. Monsignor John J. Bendik will officiate. Interment will be in the parish cemetery, Pittston. Friends may call Thursday, 2 to 4 and 7 to 9.

   The Times Leader (Wilkes-Barre, PA) - November 10, 1999


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