Martin (Marty) James O’Malley
Martin (Marty) James O’Malley,
73, of Albuquerque, NM passed away on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 after a 5-year battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Born in Devon, England in 1945, Marty was an Army brat, who lived all over the world, including Germany, Taiwan, Chicago, New Jersey, San Francisco, Seattle and Albuquerque. He was the oldest of his 5 siblings — a big brother to Mike, John, Caryn and Brian. He loved and admired each of his siblings so much, and spoke of them often in his final days.
He held many nicknames during his 73 years on the earth, including Mo, McFly, Papa, and Padre. His kind blue eyes and distinguished gray hair earned him many admirers and the title "Silver Fox," but he only had eyes for his wife of 46 years, Linda. She was absolutely everything to him — the center of his life and his heart. They loved traveling the world together. He also cherished his identical twin boys, Colin and Derek. He lived vicariously through them everyday, and would tell friends, strangers, or anyone that would listen of his pride in their accomplishments.
Marty had a passion for aviation, and joined the Air Force with plans to become a fighter pilot.
When he was medically disqualified during pilot training, he became an RF4C aircraft maintenance officer at Shaw AFB, South Carolina — the same base that his son Derek now commands. After his military service, he built a very successful career in the insurance industry, working for Travelers and CNA. He ultimately retired as the Chief Operating Officer of Builders Trust of New Mexico. He was an artistic and creative soul, who was passionate about music. He loved to collaborate with his son Colin, and to play percussion with local bands, including Los Radiators and the Moon Dogs. Occasionally, he also felt compelled to sing in public, which was truly, truly unfortunate.
Marty had an incredible sense of humor, which he maintained through the final minutes of his life. Amidst significant suffering, he still cracked jokes with his family and nurses, and laughed when he could scarcely catch his breath. He was unanimously voted the Intensive Care Unit patient of the week for 4 weeks in a row, and the ICU staff will never forget him. The same can be said for most people that had the opportunity to know and love Marty O’Malley. He was a one of a kind, hall of fame father, friend and husband.
Private visitation will be Wednesday, January 16, 2019 from 11:30 – 12:30 at FRENCH – Lomas. Public Services will begin at 1:00 p.m. A graveside service will take place on Thursday, January 17, 2019, 10:30 a.m., at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Please vis- it our online guestbook for Marty at www.FrenchFunerals.com