OMalley, Bernard J.

Description

Early Life

Bernard Joseph O’Malley was born on December 5, 1895, in Rye, New York, the son of Roderick O’Malley and Ellen Gardiner. He grew up in Rye and attended local public schools, remaining closely tied to the community throughout his early life.

By 1917, he was living at 48 Meadow Avenue in Rye and working as a gardener, employed by George D. Baron. His work reflects the estate-based economy that characterized Rye during the early twentieth century, where many residents were employed maintaining large private properties. At the time of his draft registration, he reported that his mother was dependent upon him for support, following the death of his father in 1913.

World War I Service

O’Malley entered military service on June 24, 1918, having been inducted in Westchester County, New York. He was assigned to Company M of the 345th Infantry Regiment, part of the 87th Infantry Division.

The 87th Division, composed largely of National Army draftees, trained for combat operations during the final phase of World War I. While the division did not engage as a complete combat unit, many of its soldiers were sent overseas as replacements and support personnel within the American Expeditionary Forces, reinforcing front-line units during the closing campaigns of 1918 and the occupation period that followed.

O’Malley served overseas from August 23, 1918, to February 27, 1919. During his service, he held the rank of Private and sustained no wounds or injuries in action.

He was honorably discharged on March 10, 1919, following demobilization.

Life After Service

Following his return from military service, O’Malley resumed his work in Rye as a gardener and handyman, continuing in the estate service roles that had defined his early employment. He remained in Rye for most of his life and was a member of the Church of the Resurrection.

He married Bridget “Bridgie” Connolly on November 30, 1921, and they were married for 57 years until her death in 1980. Over the course of his long life, he witnessed significant changes in the Rye community while maintaining his connection to its earlier estate-based character.

In his later years, he relocated to Greenville, North Carolina, where he became a parishioner of St. Peter’s Church.

Bernard J. O’Malley died on October 10, 1985, at his home in Greenville, North Carolina, at the age of 89.

At the time of his death, he was survived by his son, Bernard J. O’Malley Jr. of Greenville, North Carolina; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.