Bob was always bigger than life for me and my twelve brothers and sisters. He was truly our “uncle” and a cherished friend of my father Robert E. Sweeney. My father and Bob came to Washington together and over their many years were friends who always had each other’s back. Bob, as always was full of stories and laughter. His memory always highlighted the moments of all our lives. Bob had such a rich life, from the streets of Cleveland, to the war torn Alps of Europe during World War II, from the back roads of Ohio as he campaigned with father, to the halls of government serving this nation on Capital Hill. His life of service is a testament to his courage and generosity as a solider, as loyal friend, as an adopted uncle, as a veteran caring for his wounded brothers. We are all better off having known him and being graced by his company. He will greatly be missed and always held close to our hearts.

What to say about such a generous man.  I've known Bob O'Malley since I was a small girl in Cleveland Ohio.  My father and Bob went to D.C. together. Bob stayed, my father, returned to my mother and 13 children.  Bob never forgot us.  To this day I am bitter that Bob bought 7 beautiful and spectacular  winter coats for my older brothers that were passed down for YEARS.  I didn't see a new winter coat until I was in high school.  Bob was family and we loved him.  He referred to me as the "Lip" because when he returned with my father for a visit to Ohio, I proceeded to tell my father all about my brothers antics. Bob gave me that nickname.  Not knowing this until adulthood, Bob took great pleasure in reminding me of my past and the nickname he shared with my father.  The glint in his eyes will never be forgotten.  I and my family adore Bob, his humor and his ability share and take care of us all, with humility and joy.  We miss you already.  The picture included is Bob with my sister.

To you, Jasmine and Daniel, we send heartfelt sympathy for the loss of Mr. O'Malley who loved life and lived it to the fullest every day. How devoted you were in caring for him so many years. He will be remembered fondly for his exuberant manner as well as for his reverence for his country and fellow servicemen. May your memories of him be joyful and may you feel his protective embrace always.  
Jan and Gloria Lancaster

We had many good memories with Mister Bob at petits plats and would like to extend my sincere condolences to the family. 

Fred

I met Bob many years ago as a staff member for my childhood friend, Senator Harry Reid and Bob was with the House Doorkeepers office. He was a walking talking history book and I never ceased to marvel at his stories, tales and yarns.  I learned more about members of Congress, Ohio, labor unions, the 10th Mountaineers and "politics" from Bob  than anyone I know.  He loved coming to Las Vegas and bragged about the Senator getting him the "Pastors" rate at a hotel on the Strip. I will never forget one occasion when I asked him if he had ever been in the real desert.  He said no he had not.  I had my convertible Camaro and I told him I was going to take him for a ride into the desert.    We were far from the city on a lonely desert highway just cruising  along and he pulled out his phone.  He raised his voice as he spoke to a friend  in D. C.  I'll never forget what he said to his friend.  "You will never guess where I am, I'm out in the middle of nowhere in the gawdamn desert on my way to Searchlight, Nevada to see where Senator Reid was born".  He reminded me often it was his best trip to Las Vegas.  God speed Bob and rest in peace.  Your Las Vegas buddy, Don Wilson. 

I am both fortunate and blessed to be one of Bob's Friends. This "Salt Of The Earth" member of "The Greatest Generation" enriched my life and the lives of those that I introduced to Bob. Bob's unselfish contributions to Our Country have made significant, long lasting impacts on those that he had direct and indirect contact with. His concern for and love of "His Guys" was powerful and unflinching. This Mountaineer has Climbed To Glory and is now with God, His Family, His Guys and His Friends. Our world, MY WORLD and now Heaven is a better place because of Him. 

Rest assured, Bob is "Shakin' It Up" and I'm looking forward to "Shakin' It Up" with Him when my time comes.



Bob...you are a true legend and your legacy speaks for it’s self! I didn’t know you a long time, but I feel like I’ve known you for a lifetime. You were definitely a one of a kind and I am glad that I was able to experience your amazing conversations. Not a day will go by that you won’t cross our minds and our hearts ♥️  It was my pleasure to have gotten to meet your beautiful soul...Rest Easy my friend!


Keisha Cauthen 

Bob was a tremendous veteran and friend of the 10th Mountain Division. He served in the Division during WWII and was wounded in combat. He had a generous heart and after 9/11 he served our wounded warrior population for the last 20 years with great love and compassion. His care for our Soldiers and their families as they returned home for rehabilitation at Walter Reed Army Medical Center was unmatched. He is a true Warrior and will be sorely missed by all of us. Our prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time. 
Climb to Glory!
COL (Ret) Michael Coss

I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Bob when my grandmother and I flew to DC to visit my sister Belinda Perkins. Mr. Bob welcomed us with opened arms and made us feel like family. I have admired all the stories my sister has shared with us about Mr. Bob.....the caring ones and the funny ones. He will be dearly missed because he was truly ONE OF A KIND ❤
RIP Mr. Bob ❤

Bob and I had a great friendship that I will cherish forever. I will miss our phone conversations that were filled with laughter and Bob’s stories about the War, Cleveland Ohio, and life on the Hill as the Assistant Deputy Doorkeeper. He was a loving and generous man who had a great sense of humor. He had a deep love for his country and loved taking care of the Soldiers.  “Mr. O’Malley job well done!”

My deepest condolences to Jasmine during this difficult time. Thank you for taking care of “Papa.”

Belinda Perkins 

OBITUARY

Robert James O'Malley

December 22, 1922 – February 5, 2021

Joseph Gawler’s Sons, LLC

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