Richard J. (Dick) O'Malley

Richard J. “Dick” O’Malley died Saturday October 13th, 2007 at home surrounded by his family. Dick lost his battle with cancer and will always be remembered for his love of life. Dick dedicated his entire life to his family, profession, and community.

Born March 21st, 1937 in Houston, Texas to Arthur and Agnes (Schoemer) O’Malley, he was raised in Houston until the 8th grade. In 1950, he and his family moved the family dairy farm to Brenham. During this time, Dick developed a skill for roping and rodeo, and a passion for horses.

Dick graduated Brenham High School in 1955. He completed his mechanical engineering degree from Texas A & M University in 1959 and embarked on a 40-year career as a professional engineer serving municipalities throughout Texas.

Dick was an engineers’ engineer. He founded O’Malley Engineers in 1968, and operated his business for the next 32 years. Dick loved the creative aspects of his work but also believed he must give back to his profession. He spent decades dedicated to the Texas Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE). Dick served as Vice President, National Director, and as President of TSPE. After serving as TSPE President, Dick served similarly in the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), culminating in achieving the office of Chairman of Professional Engineers in Private Practice from 1988 to 1989. Dick served continuously from 1969 until 2006 in some volunteer capacity to his profession.

Dick truly loved his family of friends. Service to his community included: Trinity Hospital Board, Rotary (Paul Harris Fellow), Brenham Industrial Foundation, Chamber of Commerce, Washington County Democratic Party Chairman in the 1970s, Unity Theatre Board, and initial Chairman of Texas National Bank. Dick was an active member of St. Mary’s Parish where he faithfully attended, served as a Eucharistic Minister, and served on numerous committees.

Dick married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Marcena D’Olive in 1957. Dick is survived by Marcena and their children: son Richard and his wife Gail, daughter Cheri and her husband Ed Addicks, son Tim and his wife Kiersten, son Kevin and his wife Melanie, and son Stephen. Dick, a doting and loving grandfather known as “Poppy”, is survived by ten grandchildren: Phillip Addicks, Jackson O’Malley, Ensign John Addicks, Anna Addicks and her husband Andrew Marinelli, Adam O’Malley, Luke Addicks, Lauren O’Malley, Erin O’Malley, Keller O’Malley, and Hannah O’Malley.

Dick was preceded in death by father Arthur O’Malley, and his in-laws Maurice and Ruby D’Olive. He is survived by a large and loving family, including his mother Agnes O’Malley, sister Mary Ann O’Malley and brother-in-law Allen Eichler, brother Dan O’Malley and sister-in-law JoAnn O’Malley, Pam and Charles Schubert, Mary Frances and Dennis Koenning, and C. M. D’Olive, Jr. He is also survived by 19 nieces and nephews, and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Dick provided loving energy and guidance to his family’s activities. In the early 1970s Dick served as President of the Washington County Little League Association and the Brenham ISD Parent-Teacher Association. Dick coached his sons’ baseball and basketball teams for many years.

Dick loved to hunt, golf, and travel with family and friends. His guitar music, singing, poetry, and sense of humor brought tremendous joy to all who were near. Dick had a special fondness for gatherings, which included dominos, horseshoes, washers, backyard cooking, and bridge. His infectious love of life brought sunshine, happiness, and cherished memories.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 16th from 5:00 to 8:00 pm, with a Rosary at 7:30 pm, at Brenham Memorial Chapel.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 17th at 10:00 am at St. Mary’s Parish at 701 Church St. in Brenham. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, with a reception following at St. Mary’s PAC. Pallbearers will be John Barkman, Richard Bischoff, David Black, Dr. Henry J. Boehm, Jr., Herman Clay, Bill Gibson, William H. Hardy, Don Jones, Richard G. Myers, Richard Neal, Dr. H. A. Smith, Milton Tate, Eddie Van Dyke, and Neal Velvin. Honorary pallbearers include all TSPE and NSPE members.

Memorials may be given to Unity Theatre, Hospice Brazos Valley, or the charity of your choice.

Funeral services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham. 979-836-3611 www.brenham-memorial-chapel.com