Michael J. O'Melia

The Honorable Michael J. O'Melia, Retired. "He's just resting his eyes!"
Michael J. O'Melia, age 63, forgot to re-open his eyes after lying down for a short nap last Saturday evening. Although he surprised us with his timing, he died peacefully. He was husband to Betty, and dad to five daughters, Kelly, Erin, Amy, Katie and Kiley. He grew up in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, and went to the University of Wisconsin on a basketball scholarship, where he won honors as an "All Big Ten Conference" guard. After law school at Marquette University, where he gave up his sneakers to become a trial lawyer, he went to work for his family's law firm, O'Melia and Kaye in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. In 1972, his family came to Arizona where he was in private practice until 1984 when he was appointed a Superior Court Judge for the State of Arizona. He would tell you, if you asked, however, that his most important job was raising his family. He watched with pride as his five daughters prospered as they made their own way in the world, and have enriched his life by presenting him ten grandchildren. He also was looking forward to his youngest daughter's college graduation in May. He relished his time with his progeny's progeny, and reveled in their growth either by coaching their teams, going to their games, or simply being with them as their worlds expanded. His grandkids fondly referred to him as "Bumpa." He was a darn proud grandpa! His interests never wavered. He was an athlete who loved to compete. Everything he played, from basketball to golf, was done well, with an abiding respect for the game and competitors. Oh, he would chide you a bit, but it was always with a twinkle in his eye and a love for you and the game you shared. We will miss him, but know that heaven is a better place today than it was last week. We suspect that he will be teeing up a ball in the clouds in the mornings, while saving the rest of the day looking after Betty, his girls, and grandkids from somewhere above them in the afternoon and evening. At night, he will "rest his eyes!" Judge O'Melia was a member of the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church parish in Phoenix, where he was regular lector for many years. He was a member of the Arizona Bar Association and the Wisconsin Bar Association. He was also a member of the University of Wisconsin National W Club. Michael is survived by his wife, Betty and five daughters and four son-in-laws, Kelly and Paul Delmore, San Diego, CA; Erin and Chris Tawney, Phoenix, AZ; Amy O'Melia Endres and Kevin Endres, San Diego, CA; Kathleen O'Melia and Bradley Miller, Phoenix, AZ; and Kiley M. O'Melia, Phoenix, AZ. He is also survived by his ten grandchildren Molly and Kyle Delmore; Collin, Blake and Emma Grace Tawney; Haley, Audrey and Parker Endres; Trent and Alec Miller. He is also survived by his 10 brothers and sisters, Nora (Donald) Bluhm, Whitefish Bay, WI; Mary (David) Peterson, Rhinelander, WI; Patricia (Louie) Widule, Sugar Camp, WI; Susie (Jim) Jankowski, Rhinelander, WI; Chrissie (Jim) Kasson, Arlington, TX; Donald (Julie) O'Melia, Jr., Minocqua, WI; Peggy (David) Gillis, Escanaba, MI; Brian (Marian) O'Melia, Summerville, SC; David O'Melia, Rhinelander, WI; Dennis O'Melia, Madison, WI. He is further survived by his mother-in-law Marge Lind, of Phoenix; his sister-in-law Lynn (Caesar) Gallego, of San Marcos, CA; and many nieces and nephews including Stacey Angstead, Marc Angstead, Katie (Spencer) Taylor, Patrick O'Neill, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. Services will include a Visitation from 5:30 to 7:00 PM, Friday, January 28th, 2006 at Brophy Chapel, 4701 N. Central Ave. in Phoenix with a Rosary immediately following. The Celebration Mass with be on Saturday, January 29th at 9:00 AM at St. Francis Xavier Church, 4715 N. Central Ave. in Phoenix. The family asks that any contributions be made to the following organizations: St. Francis Xavier Athletics Association, P.O. Box 16114, Phoenix, AZ 85011 or The Wellness Community of Central Arizona, 360 E. Palm Lane, Phoenix, AZ 85004.