Peter Joseph O'Malley

Peter J. O’Malley, 94, of Toms River, son of Peter and Julia (nee Wallace) O’Malley, both of Leenane, County Galway, Ireland, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 20, 2014. He was the beloved brother of James and Patrick Francis O’Malley, the loving father of Margaret Monahan, Peter G. O’Malley, Brian O’Malley, Catherine O’Neill and Michael O’Malley, the grandfather of ten and great-grandfather of one. He was predeceased by his parents, his wife of sixty-one years, Doris (nee Davies) O’Malley, his brothers John and Michael, sisters Agnes, Julia and Sarah O’Malley, Mary White, Ann Quinlan and Rita McColgan.

Peter was born and raised in Jersey City before moving his family to Toms River in 1962. A devout Catholic and member at one time of both the Holy Name Society and the Knights of Columbus, he was a communicant of Saint Joseph R.C. Church in Toms River for over fifty years. He was employed by the Postal Service, retiring in 1981. In his younger years, he enjoyed golf and bowling. He was an avid reader and a strong believer in family. He kept in touch with his brothers and sisters throughout his life and managed to visit his cousins in Ireland once in his later years. He often expressed a wish to return to Ireland, but was never able to do so. Throughout his life, he had a fondness for the horses, a couple of beers and perhaps a wee taste or two of whiskey (always cut with a little water).

Peter was a member of K Company, 113th Infantry, 44th Division of the New Jersey National Guard from 1939 until his discharge in 1943. His Guard unit was nationalized as part of the United States Army in September, 1940. At one time he served under the command of Colonel H. Norman Schwartzkopf, Sr. His unit was returning from training in North Carolina when word was received that the Japanese had bombed Pearl Harbor. The entire company expected to be sent immediately overseas, but instead patrolled the beaches of New Jersey for the next two years from Atlantic Highlands to Long Beach Island. He attempted to transfer into the Army Air Force, but was disqualified by an ear condition. His four brothers also saw service in the armed forces during the Second World War in both the army and the navy.

Visitation will be held 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Monday, March 24, 2014 at Anderson and Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main St., Toms River. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, March 25 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, 685 Hooper Ave., Toms River. Cremation will be private. Condolences may be made by visiting www.andersonandcampbell.com.