Edward J. O' Malley

A gentleman treats everyone with deep respect. You not only felt deep respect from Ed, you truly felt loved by him. Just ask Donna Marie O’Malley, his wife of 48 years, his children Grace, Clare, Eddie and Mary, his daughter-in-law Joanna, his sons-in-law Shawn and Cory, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren Hope, Gabe, Abbey, Shawn Michael, Kate, Jack, Teddy, Luke, Lizzie, Danny, Connor, Kit, Fallyn, Levi and Liam.

A gentleman values his education. Ed graduated from Rockhurst High School in 1956 and the University of Notre Dame in 1960, but that wasn’t the end. A gentleman never stops learning. A lover of history and the owner of a vast fund of inconsequential knowledge, Ed’s knowledge enlivened conversation and enriched all those around him.

A gentleman values adventure. Ed journeyed twice to Africa. And, we wish you could ask him about the time when for some Godforsaken reason he flew into communist East Berlin on Christmas Eve and was detained. The crime? Ed’s contraband Time Magazine left on the plane. Ed talked his way free, a gentleman’s charm at work, and lived to tell the story. A bit of mystery always accompanies a gentleman.

A gentleman values the arts. Ed quoted Shakespeare from memory, could discuss great symphonies and classic works from the Renaissance.

A gentleman shoulders his share of burdens, his cross to bear. Ed cared for elderly parents, embraced children and grandchildren through their battles, saw fortune, but also struggles, and never uttered a word of contempt to his God for his 18-year battle with Parkinson’s.

A gentleman values a good conversation, a sweet letter or a fine speech. Ed was a gifted speaker, could give a better toast than anyone and was an amazing writer. We’re hoping one or more of his grandkids inherited that writing gene and that someday their great American novel will be published, with an appropriate dedication to Grandpa.

A gentleman values his own history. In 1960 Ed reconnected the Irish and American O’Malleys, traveling to Murroe, Ireland to walk in the footsteps of his grandfather, Patrick Fleming O’Malley. He used to tell us that there was just something about standing in the same place where your ancestors once stood.

A gentleman values a good party. Ed could make a great Manhattan, and usually found a way to get you to have one, or two, or three.

A gentleman values the outdoors. Ed fished the rivers of Ireland and the American West. He hunted, or at least tried. We’ve never seen evidence of any success.

A gentleman values only a few possessions. Ed really didn’t need much. He loved his books. He treasured key pieces of art and family photos. There are few meaningless items in his home. He didn’t allow his mind, home or heart to be muddled with uninteresting or unimportant things.

A gentleman values a varied career. From journalism to manufacturing to insurance to non-profit, Ed proceeded where the way opens, relished every opportunity and never quit learning.

A gentleman leaves behind witty sayings that will be repeated for years to come. Just ask Ed’s family about “Dad’s tips for teens,” “O’Malleys always do their best” or “Your old man worries about you when you come home late.”

A gentleman values his family. Ed’s favorite roles were those of son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. Love never dies, and Ed’s family knows his love is everlasting.

A gentleman’s family and friends celebrate his life. Services for Ed will be Friday, July 28, 2017 at Cure of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Road, Leawood, Kansas. Rosary will begin at 9:30 AM. Visitation to follow at 10:00 AM with funeral Mass at 11:00 AM.

A gentleman prefers to give rather than receive. In lieu of flowers, please lift another up, share your gifts and, like Ed, sponsor a child through Unbound in Kansas City, Kansas. Contributions to Unbound are also appreciated. Memories may be shared at www.mcgilleystatelinechapel.com.

The world lost a true gentleman on July 23, 2017.