James W. O'Malley

AVOCA- James W. “Jim” O'Malley, 78, of Avoca, PA passed away unexpectedly Sunday, February 5th, 2012, in Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Florida. Jim was born on September 21, 1933 in Avoca, PA to the late James and Arlene (Gabello) O'Malley. He was a graduate of Avoca High School and the University of Scranton, and he attended the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT. Jim was a dedicated and active member of his community. He served on the board of the Lackawanna Valley Sanitary Authority, the Avoca Borough Council, the Jolly Boys Association, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the Knights of Columbus. He also coached Saint Mary's boys’ basketball team. In the 1950s, Jim and Tess purchased the train station located at 501 Main Street in Avoca—one of only three remaining in the area—for Main Pool and Chemical, a business that was originally started by his father in 1930. The station, which he preserved and beautifully renovated, is now home to Main Pool & Chemical Co., Inc., which Jim expanded with the help of his son, Tom. Jim truly cherished the friends he made throughout his lifetime. He was admired for his generosity, and he was passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. Local politicians, businessmen, neighbors, and friends would frequently visit him at his Main Street business to enjoy his company and conversation, and to tap into his extensive knowledge about topics ranging from history to sports. During the past several years, Jim was semi-retired and enjoyed spending time visiting his family and traveling with his wife. He is survived by his wife, Theresa “Tess” (McGrail) O’Malley; his five children: Eileen and her husband Al Iudicello, of McLean VA; Erin and son-in-law Matt Ross of Boston, MA; Terri O'Malley of Downingtown, PA; Jim O'Malley and his wife Trish of McLean, VA; and Tom O'Malley, of Avoca, PA; a sister, Rose Ann Drummond and family of Springfield, PA. He will be dearly missed by his loving grandchildren, Kelly Ann Gilmore, Esquire of Washington, D.C.; James and Connor O'Malley of McLean, VA; an uncle, William Gabello, Old Forge; aunts Catherine McMullen, Plattsburg, NY and Marguerite Gaylets, Pittston; and his many nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death his brothers Francis “Nick” O’Malley and Lawrence O’Malley. The Funeral will be 9:30 a.m. Saturday, February 11, 2012 from Kniffen O’Malley Funeral Home, Inc., 728 Main Street, Avoca with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at The Queen of the Apostles Church in Avoca, of which he was a lifetime member. The mass will be celebrated by the Reverend Raymond Divinney and the Reverend Phillip Sladicka will concelebrate. Interment will follow in Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 10, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 613 Baltimore Drive, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702-7902.