John F. "Jack" O'Malley

SOUTH BEND — John F. “Jack” O’Malley, 86, passed away on November 13, 2017, in his home.  He was born on December 11, 1930 to Timothy and Mary (Kelley) O’Malley in Worcester, Massachusetts. He was their only surviving child.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Helen (Connors) O’Malley and their 7 children: John (Sherrie), Crown Point; Robert (Michelle), New Carlisle; Philip, Indianapolis; Stephen (Suzanne), Fishers; Christopher (Alison), Fishers; Mary, Indianapolis; Timothy (Christine) Granger, and 14 grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his grandson, Bryant C. O’Malley. 

After graduating from St. John’s High School in Worcester, Jack received his B.S. from the College of the Holy Cross, where he played basketball and took great pride in guarding (unsuccessfully, as he’d tell you) the legendary Bob Cousy. 

He later received his M.Ed. from Worcester State College.  Always the consummate educator, Jack served his country as a Second Lieutenant while, likewise, teaching Anatomy, Physiology, and other medically-related subjects to the military’s medical service personnel. Following his service, Jack taught in Massachusetts at Grafton Jr. High School, North High, Worcester Junior College and St. Vincent Hospital. 

He and his family moved to Omaha, Nebraska in 1967, where he received his M.S. and Ph.D. in Anatomy from Creighton University. In 1971, he was the first hire of the late Thomas A. Troeger who started the South Bend Center for Medical Education. Jack taught Anatomy at both Indiana University School of Medicine, where he was recognized as “Outstanding Professor” 30 times, and the University of Notre Dame. 

During his career, Dr. O’Malley taught the anatomy component of the longest running post-graduate course in the nation for more than 25 years and served as Dean of the South Bend branch of the Indiana University School of Medicine for 13 years. Twice distinguished, Jack received the Glen Irwin Distinguished Faculty Award and has been recognized as a Distinguished Professor of Anatomy Emeritus at both Indiana University School of Medicine and Notre Dame. 

His lasting legacy, however, will be that of a loving, dedicated family man.  Jack loved all things Irish and Notre Dame, particularly its marching band.  He found great joy on Notre Dame’s campus and always enjoyed entertaining visitors for football weekends especially with a visit to his good friend, the late Vic Cira’s weekly tailgater. Jack was an avid Notre Dame basketball fan, a trait he passed on to his children who considered the old Athletic and Convocation Center a second home.  

The family would like to thank his loving caregiver, Carol McCaffery, as well as the Center for Hospice, especially Jeanne, Dave, Trevor and Bob. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Center for Hospice Care, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637, St. Vincent DePaul, or the Special Olympics. 

Visitation is 4-8 p.m. Monday, November 20, 2017, at Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka, Indiana 46544, where eulogies and remembrances will be from 7-8 p.m. 

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 21, 2017, at St. Matthew Cathedral in South Bend, where family and friends may visit one hour prior to the Mass at St. Matthew Cathedral.  

Arrangements by; Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel in La Porte, Indiana.

Please share prayers, condolences, and memories with the family at Essling Funeral Home.com.

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