Brian Joseph O'Malley

Brian was the fifth in a family of seven children. He nearly died at birth due to the Rh factor, consequently, he was rocked nearly round the clock for the first six months of his life. His parents described him as their easiest child, going so far as to say that there would never be a war if everyone had Brian’s personality. A proud alumnus of St. Francis Xavier grade school, Rockhurst High School and St. Louis University, Brian treasured his Jesuit education.

Brian loved playing driveway basketball with his many neighborhood friends and his first cousin (as close as a brother), Jim Glynn (Ellen), who grew up around the corner and was born three days after Brian. Some of the family’s funniest stories involve Brian’s escapades with his older brother and co-instigator, Pat, including the time they set the bushes on fire cooking hotdogs or when their play led to the family’s eviction from a Colorado motel.

As God calls us to love our neighbor, Brian responded by serving his fellow man through a dedicated career in social work. He earned a Master of Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, TX.

He served in many leadership roles with Catholic Charities in Kansas City, MO, followed by Executive Directorships in Toledo, OH, Memphis, TN, and St. Louis, MO. Accomplishments include building a chapel and advancing programming services at St. Peter’s Villa (Memphis, TN); serving a critical role in the groundbreaking of Target House, creating housing for cancer patient families of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (Memphis, TN); founded St. Aloysius Home for individuals diagnosed with HIV/AIDS (Memphis, TN).

After his retirement from Catholic Charities, Brian relocated to Kansas City, Missouri to serve as Director of Social Services for St. Michael’s Veterans Center. He raised funds and awareness for many of God’s children spearheading services for veterans, the elderly, victims of abuse, and other disadvantaged members of the community.

Fiercely proud of his Irish heritage, Brian served on the Kansas City St. Patrick’s Day parade committee for several years before serving as Co-Chair of the parade and then Grand Marshal. Brian was a founding member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Toledo, OH. Brian embodied the saying “If you’re lucky enough to be Irish, you are lucky enough!” Brian was a voracious reader from childhood and his siblings always looked forward to the books he would recommend, especially when given as gifts.

Above all, Brian was dedicated to his family and was so very proud of his children and grandchildren. The last week of life saw Brian enjoying the company of his children in the pristine beauty of northern Michigan engaging in his favorite activities, fishing, boating, reading, and drinking coffee on the porch surrounded by conversation and laughter. Nothing could have made him happier.

Brian was devoted to his wife, Virginia “Ginny” (Berney), and beloved by his six children, Timothy (fiancé, Ash), Beacon, NY, Megan (Jimmy), Kansas City, Bridget (Chase), Carthage, MO, Kaitlin (fiancé, Richy), Kansas City, Peter (Holly), Memphis, TN and Mary Kate, Kansas City. Brian will be missed by his six grandchildren, John, Ashlyn, Clare, Jack, Grace, and a grandson on the way.

Brian was preceded in death by his grandparents and parents. He is survived by his six siblings, Jim, John, Mary Bridget Kratofil (Greg, Sr.), Pat (Sandra), Mary Kathryn (Mary Weir) and Terence (Heather), cousins and many nieces and nephews.

Rest in peace, Brian, and until we meet again may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

A Rosary will be at 5:00 p.m. on Tues, Sept. 19th at the Kansas City Irish Center, 3301 Baltimore Ave. KCMO 64111, followed by an Ancient Order of Hibernians prayer service, and visitation until 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wed., Sept. 20th at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 1001 E. 52nd St. KCMO 64110. Graveside service will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 9950 Hwy 7, Atchison, KS, at 2:00 p.m. For more information please visit www.mcgilleymidtownchapel.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to "Imagine That". For credit cards go to: www.imaginethatkc.org or for Checks mail to: Resources for Human Development, 2010 McGee Street, Kansas City, MO 64108.