William O'Malley Obituary

I was so sorry to hear that Bill had passed away. I just heard the news about a week ago and this is September 2006. Bill loved to put on musicals and play piano. I had the opportunity to sing in a couple of productions at the old gym at Moraine Valley College several years ago and he made it so much fun. I know you are up in the Mansion of Heaven, Bill and I'm sorry I wasn't there to say good-bye. Peggy

Bill and I attended classes together at Roosevelt University (the Chicago Musical College) in the late 1960's. In 1977, a chance encounter led me to join Bill with two other singers as he played the piano in a group called the Continental Singers at the Atlantic Pub on Chicago's northwest side, where he had been playing weekends. We performed weekends and did occasional medieval banquets for a few years. I have never known a pianist with Bill's gifts. Brilliant doesn't begin to describe him. He was a generous man with a wry sense of humor. Although we lost touch, I've thought of him often and even now chuckle at some of the funny situations from that time. Sadly, I'm now the only surviving member of the Continental Singers.

I went to school with Bill at Quigley and then a few years at Mundelein before he left to enter the Trappist monastery, We were from nearby parishes (me-St. Barts and Bill-St Edwards) We travelled the Milwaukee Av. steetcar at times to get to Quigley.

Bill was a talented musician and was well liked by all. He used his God-given talents to enlighten this world esp. with his music

I met Bill when I first joined a summer singing group at Moraine Valley and later joined a group that he directed. It was a wonderful experience. He became my music mentor and helped me gain confidence in my abilities. I shall never forget all he did for me. He always gave of himself and shared his many God given talents with all he encountered. Thank you Bill, you've left your mark on all who have worked with you. May God bless you and give you a special place in His Heavenly Home.

I knew Bill for many years when he played the piano at the Atlantic Rest. in Chicago. One day, he arrived in the District that I was teaching at and was the new musical director. He was very talented and had the students involved in musical performances. He taught classes for the teachers also. He was so great. He also performed in concerts. He was on broadway at one time. I feel bad about his passing, but I am sure he is in a better place.

Miss you Bill. God Bless You.

I was deeply sadden today when I came across Mr. O'Malley's obituary in todays paper. I was a student of his at Kellar Jr High in the late 80's. Mr O'Malley cast me in my first play at Kellar. It was then I developed a deep love for the arts, which I still carry today. I'm sure Mr.O'Malley influenced many students as he did myself. I smile now as I daydream about him passionately playing the piano. He introduced alot of young people to the world of music. What a special gift he gave us, Thank You and God Bless.

I ONLY KNEW WILLIAM FOR A SHORT PEROID OF TIME. I AM AMAZED OF THE LIFE THAT HE HAS LIVED.THROUGH HIS LOVE OF MUSIC HE HAS BROUGH JOY TO MANY PEOPLE. FROM BROADWAY, MOTOWN, AND MUSICAL/THEAHER DIRECTOR OF THE CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS. BUT HIS GREATEST GIFT IS IN HIS TALENT, IN WHO HE PASSED ON TO A YOUNG WOMAN BY THE NAME OF STEPHAINE GEDRIMAS. IN HER VOICE HIS LEGACY WILL LIVE ON.

Bill was a kind and compassionate man with a sense of humor. His courage and perserverance during this last decade will always be an inspiration to me. I'm blessed to have known him. I pray, Bill, you are in God's heavenly mansion of music.

I first met Bill O'Malley in 1945 which was for the both of us our first year at Quigley Preparatory Seminary. We met as members in Monsignor Charles Meter's Cathedral Choristers. Bill assisted Monsignor with his amazing talent in both organ and piano as an accompianist and soloist for both the choir and orchestra. He was sensitive,prayerful,and meditative by nature always mindful of God's generous gifts to him. How do I know this? Because I witnessed how he gave these gifts not only to me but to everyone he met imitating his God who gives freely. Rest in peace in God's kingdom,dear friend.

Bill was a long-time friend of my step-father, the late Rev. Merlin Clark. I will always remember the music they enjoyed together; Bill playing the piano and Rev. singing show tunes. I have many fond memories of singing in shows Bill put together and made many good friends through those shows. Bill's talent and teachings will be missed by many.

I worked with Bill on the last All-

City musical, "The King and I" in

1975 and I sang with him at the Chicago Music College of Roosevelt

University with Lorraine Anderson.

Bill was a great person and I totally enjoyed working with him.