John Edward O'Malley

John Edward O'Malley, 67, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on June 6, 2016, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born on September 22, 1948 in Clinton, a son of the late John T. and Helen (Maki) O'Malley. John leaves his beloved wife of 38 years, Pamela (Perkins); a son, William J. Ross of Worcester; two grandchildren, William F. and Katie M. Ross both of Worcester; a brother, Richard P O'Malley of Phillipston; two nephews, Richard and Jeffrey; and great nephew, Killian. His brother, Brian O'Malley predeceased him. He graduated from Wachusett Regional High School, received a B.A. in English from UMass - Boston, and earned his MBA from Anna Maria College. John had a long career as social worker and business manager for the Department of Public Welfare and the Department of Social Services, now DCF, and retired from the Department of Social Services . After retiring, he worked at the Key Program and started his own handyman business. John's two greatest passions, beyond his family and friends were restoring his five 1965 Honda Benley motorcycles and classic cars and music. He was a co-founding member of one of Worcester's longest running rock bands, The Coyotes where he played the bass guitar for many years. He also maintained an extensive collection of vinyl LP’s and CD’s, numbering in the hundreds. John and Pamela enjoyed driving cross country and exploring the United States, logging ten trips both in his classic cars and RV. John had a keen sense of humor, liked to joke, enjoyed social activities. He was an avid putterer and tinkerer, always busy around the house repairing something and redecorating his home. He also liked to pass along his lifelong knowledge of his motorcycles. He was a loving husband, a great parent and grandparent, and a loyal friend. He will be missed. The family wishes to thank the staff at the UMass Oncology Department and also the VNA Care Network and Hospice for their compassionate care of John over the past 16 months. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with John’s family on Thursday, June 9, from 5-8 p.m. at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A service celebrating John’s life will be held on Friday, June 10, at 12 Noon at the funeral home, followed by a reception at Val’s Restaurant for a time of continued sharing of memories and stories. Flowers may be sent or donations made to the VNA Care Hospice, Development Office, 120 Thomas Street, Worcester, MA 01608. To share a memory or leave an online condolence for the family, please sign the guestbook on this page.