Charles O'Malley
August 14, 1933 - June 26, 2023
Charles "Charlie" Rodney O'Malley was born to Madeline and Charles O'Malley in Brooklyn, NY on August 14, 1933. He grew up in Wilmette, a suburb of Chicago and attended Quincy High School.
In the early 1950's the family moved to La Jolla where Charlie attended the seminary and then to San Francisco where he attended St. Patrick's Seminary. Charlie served in the Army and then went on to work at Standard Oil, in San Francisco where he made lifelong friends.
Charlie had a passion for astronomy and mathematics, he eventually taught math at St. Joseph's Seminary in Los Altos, California. After five years in the seminary Charlie's life took a new path.
In 1967, he met his future wife Ellen while playing bridge at his brother Jim's home. In 1968, they married in Santa Rosa, California. Together they traveled the world, experiencing different cultures and meeting interesting people. They shared a love for travel. In 1970 Charlie and Ellen moved to Jamaica where he taught math at the American School. Their travels continued and they moved to Tehran, Iran where they adopted two children, Shiva and Tim.
In 1974, they returned to Santa Rosa. It was here that Charlie embarked on what would become a 25-year career. He owned and operated two recovery homes in Santa Rosa. Charlie was a mentor, counselor, and friend to many in recovery. He loved helping others and would go on to volunteer with Sonoma County Hospice.
Charlie was an avid reader and loved a good nonfiction book. He loved playing bridge with family and friends. He enjoyed running and ran several marathons. His best time was 4 hours and 47 minutes. His family was waiting for him at the finish line!
Charlie had a genuine interest in other people's lives. He asked a lot of questions. He wanted to know as much as possible about anyone he encountered in his life. His curiosity lasted up until his last stay at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital where he asked questions of all the nurses, doctors, and any members of the hospital staff that came into his room.
Charlie had a great sense of humor, quick wit, and a positive outlook on life. He will be missed for his big, infectious laugh and the happiness he shared with so many. Charles Rodney O'Malley is survived by his wife of 55 years, Ellen O'Malley; daughter, Shiva O'Malley, his son, Tim O'Malley, and his grandson, Justin Wylie. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Karen O'Malley, and many nieces and nephews. His sisters Patricia Gowland (George), Cate Ogata (Tom) and brother, Dr. James O'Malley preceded him in death.
The O'Malley Family is planning a celebration in the coming weeks. Memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities.

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Published by Press Democrat on Jul. 2, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles O'Malley

Sponsored by Daniels Chapel of the Roses Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. - Santa Rosa Daniels Chapel of the Rose.

2 Entries

Cathy (Panelli) Moren

July 19, 2023

Dear Ellen, Shiva and Tim, So many fond family memories of your Husband and Dad, Uncle Charlie to me! Pinecrest in particular was so special. I know that he and my Dad (Daddy Bill) were just such good friends and it makes thinking of the two of them up in heaven playing chess together warm my heart. They had an entire multi game tournament at the Rod and Gun club! I don't know what the kids were doing, mainly swimming and asking for ice cream money! Love to all of you, Uncle Charlie made our whole family smile whenever we were together. God bless you.

Monsignor James Gaffey

July 1, 2023

In the 50´s Charlie and I were classmates at Saint Patrick´s Seminary in Menlo Park, CA. His family had just moved west from Chicago, and he loved to "push" the envelope in that structured environment. Once during the tedious lectures on Scholastic theology, he managed to keep up with the World Series with a portable radio hidden under his cassock and an earbud attached to his ear through a wire running through his sleeve. Charlie was the only student fully alert and smiling during those classes. From the beginning, he was a delightful companion in school and later as a fellow tourist in Europe. The cathedral parish is forever indebted to him for his volunteer work in helping families in grief by arranging receptions after funerals. Condolences to his loving wife Ellen and to his terrific children from Iran, Shiva and Tim.

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