OBITUARY
Gerald Joseph O’Malley
November 25, 1927 – November 16, 2018
HONOURABLE GERALD J. O’MALLEY
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gerald Joseph Thomas O’Malley. Gerald (Gerry) passed away on November 16th in the Halifax home he built, and in which he had raised his family.
Gerry is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Marie (Langan) and children, Thomas (Heike Wenaus); Elizabeth Ann Cody (Paul); Carolyn (Wayne Jackson); Gregory (Jenine), his loving grandchildren, Neil, Kimberley and Jeffrey Cody; Ryan and Conor O’Malley; Keelan, Brianna, Jessica and Zachary O’Malley, and his two great grandchildren, Luke and Alex Cody, as well as many nieces and nephews. Gerry is also survived by sisters-in-law, Catherine and Francis, and daughter-in-law, Mary Gorman.
Gerry was the youngest son of the late Michael and Mary (Brackett) O’Malley. He was predeceased by his son, Daniel (Danny); brothers, John, Hugh and Clyde; sisters, Margaret Pottier, Mary Scott, Dorothy Michaud and his first wife, Catherine.
Born November 25th, 1927, in the North End of Halifax, Gerry attended Alexander McKay Elementary, Saint Patrick’s High School and the Technical College of Nova Scotia, where he studied electronics. Upon graduation, he started his career as an Electrician with Bryant Electric. His passions for sharing knowledge with others lead him to take his expertise into the classroom, where he taught electronics for many years at the Halifax Regional Vocational School, where he met his wife Marie. Simultaneously, he served in the Air Force Reserves, starting as a Squadron Leader and rose to the rank of Wing Commander (Reserve) at Greenwood, Nova Scotia and St. Jean, Quebec. He was the founding principal of the Dartmouth Regional Vocational School (later to become the Nova Scotia Community College, Akerley Campus), for which he was commissioned to oversee its construction and program development. Gerry was instrumental in the development of the Nova Scotia Vocational Teachers Association. Being a strong advocate of education, he continued his personal educational path part-time while serving as Principal of the Dartmouth Regional Vocational School, graduating from Saint Mary’s University with a BA (’76), BEd (’77) and MA (’78).
As a community leader, Gerry served as an Alderman for the City of Halifax and also served a term as Deputy Mayor. He went on to serve with the Provincial Nova Scotia Legislature as MLA and Cabinet Minister with the Departments of Supply & Services, Science and Technology Secretariat, and Labour. Also, he served as Deputy Speaker of the Legislature.
For 45 years, Gerry and his family enjoyed summers at their cottage in Malagash, Nova Scotia, where he could most often be found working on one of his many “Gerry Jobs.” He enjoyed many pastimes such as woodworking, reading, political debates and exercise. His personal life mirrored his professional life, as he was a wise and loving patriarch, instilling a sense of faith, loyalty, kindness and unity within the family. He continued to his last day to provide support and words of advice and guidance to his children and grandchildren, all of whom he was extremely proud.
Visitation will be at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Wednesday, 2:00 to 4:00 pm and 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Funeral mass will be held at Saint Mother Theresa of Kolkata (formerly St. Stephens), 6351 Normandy Dr. Halifax on Thursday at 11:00 am. Interment in Mount Olivet Cemetery at a later date. Donations may be made in Gerry’s memory to Hope Cottage.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Gerald Joseph O’Malley 2018..
Death notice for the town of: halifax, Province: Nova Scotia