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John O'Malley Obituary

O'MALLEY--John Dancer and choreographer, died on December 26 after a fourteen-year battle with AIDS. Born, 1961 in Fort Worth, TX, he trained at the Chamberlain School of Ballet in Dallas before receiving scholarships to the Joffrey Ballet School and the School of American Ballet. In 1982, he joined ABT II and was later in the corps de ballet of the Metropolitan Opera Company, Zurich Ballet and Bejart Ballet. Over the course of his career, John danced with Rudolf Nureyev, Natalia Makarova, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Twyla Tharp, and was a soloist with Eglevsky Ballet, Colorado Ballet, Dinosaur Dance Company, Keith Young Dance and Garden State Ballet. In 1989, he and Michele Elliman founded Neo Labos Dancetheater, for whom John choreographed and performed in numerous works including "Certain Measures", "Ten Ten Spin" and "Angel Ash." He choreographed several pieces for TWEED TheaterWorks, including "Hotel Martinique" and "Atomic Opera", and worked on many film and video projects, including the acclaimed short film "Lillies". He regularly returned to Dallas as a guest teacher and choreographer for the Chamberlain Ballet until health problems forced him to stop dancing in 1994. He became an ardent audiophile until he lost his hearing several years later, and was an enthusiastic reader and correspondent, writing dozens of letters weekly to his family and friends. He is survived by his partner and collaborator, Kevin Malony, his mother Jean O'Malley, his sisters Cass O'Malley, Elizabeth McCoy, and Patricia Delgado, many cousins, nieces and nephews, as well as a large, international circle of devoted friends. An incandescent presence and neighborhood fixture in the West Village, John's second home was the Cowgirl Hall of Fame Restaurant on Hudson Street. He will be remembered as a brother, son, friend and dancer, but most of all as someone who never considered surrendering to AIDS, turning every painful step he took into a tenacious and graceful dance. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, March 8th, location to be announced. For more information go to www.johnomalley.org

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on Jan. 7, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for John O'Malley

24 Entries

Patrick

April 9, 2023

I did not know Mr O'Malley. And I came to learn about him through the story of the bench. Without putting everyone to sleep I want his family to know that his courage, tenacity and spirit- as described, is an inspiration.

Kathy Chamberlain

February 18, 2008

I had the pleasure of teaching John ballet beginning at his age of 16. He was a magnificent person, one whom I have been honored in knowing in many different capacities. Beginning as a teacher, then life long friend and admirer. John is in my heart, mind and is deeply missed, esp his wonderful humor, cards and letters.

My love extends to Jean, Kevin, Cass, Libba and all of those who also loved him so dearly. I thank God John is in heaven and with peace.

Anita Hunter

January 15, 2008

I married John's cousin, Brad Carter, and regret that I never got to meet John or see him dance. I enjoyed reading the unique cards he sent to my dear mother-in-law in Lubbock, which lifted her spirits during her struggle with cancer. John's mother, Jean, provided wonderful care for her sister, Allene, who passed on at Thanksgiving. I can imagine John's Aunt Allene greeting him in Heaven with a hug and a smile, and escorting him to the smokers' section! Wishing comfort and peace to Jean, Cass, Libba, Patricia, Kevin and all who mourn.

Glenn Gardner

January 12, 2008

Deepest and heartfelt sympathies to all of John's extended family.

Gregory Maley

January 11, 2008

John was a beautiful soul with a great sense of humor. He will be missed by everyone whose lives he touched. I'm blessed that he touched mine.

Lenore Breen

January 11, 2008

At a Christmas Party 2001 at Cass' house, I met John and have never forgotton him. He was funny, observant, well-read and courageous. We will all miss him.
Lenore

Toni Ormond

January 11, 2008

I only knew John from the stories that my dear and cherished friend Cass O'Malley, John's sister would share with me. She often shared John's accomplishments and his illness with me and I am sorry to say I never had the pleasure of meeting him personally. As I think of John and read of his life's story, I am reminded of words from a dear friend of mine: "I will run until I cannot run any more; I will walk until I cannot walk any more; I will crawl until I cannot crawl any more and then I will fly".
My heart felt sympathy goes out to all of his family and friends and especially to my dear friend Cass.

Elisa Gierasch

January 10, 2008

John is an eternal presence at Cowgirl, NYC. I served him for over 10 years, and in that time he became very dear to me. I loved his stories and his unique ways. I am grateful that he was a part of my life... Never to be forgotten, always missed.

Pamela Matsuda-Dunn

January 10, 2008

Jean, I feel I know you well. John talked often about you and showed me pictures of you and your grandchildren. I don't think he talked about his physical pain with anyone. He didn't whine, he didn't complain. He did tell wonderful stories about all the people he knew and I can't wait to meet them at the memorial.

When he couldn't dance, he walked; when he couldn't hear the music he so loved, he read avidly. I don't know how he kept so much joy in his life -- it was his great secret, but it was a quality which he was happy to spread around. I am grateful to have known him -- thank you for that, Kevin.

Cass O'Malley

January 10, 2008

I am John's youngest sister and I feel fortunate having had the opportunity to build a loving relationship with him.
I miss him terribly and know that his light will endure and shine strong on all that he touched.

Janet Huston

January 9, 2008

I am another one of John's first cousins. There are 28 of us. I did not know John as an adult, but heard of his dedicated work in dance and creative spirit. My heartfelt sympathy to all.

Jean O'Malley

January 9, 2008

Of course I loved John very much and proud of his accpmplishments, I am his mother.

He was always interested in The Arts. He did drawings,sketches. played the organ, and his Father and I loved to see him dance.

Through all his illness, painful neropathy, fractures and deafness, he did not complain. At least not to me.

I appreciate all the people who are working to make this a great memorial, especially Kevin and Chris White. I am pleased and proud to be able to participate.

Jean O'Malley

Sharon Heriza

January 8, 2008

I met John through my brother Kevin Malony. We spent many memorable times together. I will truly miss him and the special, crazy cards he sent me. I loved him a lot.

Nancy Hyland

January 8, 2008

-Deep peace of the flowing air to you.
-Deep peace of the shining stars to you.
-Deep peace of the running wave to you.
-Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.

My sweet friend
I miss you in every moment,
but smile at the memories.
I know you are now home,
dancing with The One,
and terrifying all the Angels
with your beauty and your thunder.

It was my blessing to have shared our time together.
You are in my heart always
xoN

Elizabeth MCCOY

January 7, 2008

I will miss the crazy, funny, yet creatively entertaining letters we received weekly from my "baby" brother. Your journey these past several years has been rough, but you have definately made your mark on this planet! I love you, and we will all miss you.
Libba

bonnie munshin

January 7, 2008

john's beauty, his humor, his edge...never to be forgotten

Johnny Carlson

January 7, 2008

I'm a distant cousin of John's from Washington state, and wish I'd known more about him. He was obviously a wonderful and talented person. A person who friends and family alike can be proud of. May he dance on, free and unimpeded, in the stars.

Johnny Carlson

kay schuckhart

January 7, 2008

I only hope there is a smoking section in heaven. if there is such a place as heaven. John's bright spirit will be missed. His tenacity in his illness is to be admired by us all, and a good lessen to learn as we all grow older. John's mantra: Be who are and do what you want. I think words of wisdom.

Alexander Kupershmidt

January 7, 2008

I will always remember John as I met him in my college years - bright, charming and never a disappointment to see. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

And when the stream
Which overflowed the soul was passed away,
A consciousness remained that it had left
Deposited upon the silent shore
Of memory images and precious thoughts
That shall not die, and cannot be destroyed

Barbara Huff

January 7, 2008

I am John's cousin but did not know him as an adult. I only saw him one time since he was a child, at his father's services. I am so awed at his beauty and talent. I feel a great loss at missing out on knowing and appreciating him and send my prayers to all who loved and mourn for him.

Kirsten Vogelsang

January 7, 2008

I composed the music for Angel Ash and several of the Neo Labos piece...working with such a great artist as John was an honor - he always had a smile and piece of humor to share. I will miss jim always...

Jean-Chris Miller

January 7, 2008

John's twinkling eyes and luminous smile will be with me always--I am better person for having known his kindness, humor, creativity and absolute love of life.

Malley White

January 7, 2008

We will love and miss John. Malley, niece

Malley White

January 7, 2008

We loved John and will miss him greatly. Malley, John's niece.

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