Rev Vincent O'Malley C.M.

Rev. Vincent J. O’Malley, C.M., of Philadelphia, PA, died Monday, January 6, 2025, at St. Vincent’s Seminary. Present were his sisters Helen and Frances, and fellow members of his religious order, the Vincentians. Fr. O’Malley was born September 10, 1945, in Philadelphia to Mary (O’Connell) and Vincent O’Malley. He was raised in Paulsboro, NJ and graduated from St. John’s grade school and Gloucester Catholic High School, where he made lifelong friends. Soon after, heentered the novitiate of the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians). Upon completion, he was admitted to Mary Immaculate Seminary in Northampton, PA. Over a six-year period, he studiously attained a Bachelor of Arts and two master’s degrees, one in Divinity and one in Theology. 

Father O’Malley was ordained to the priesthood at Mary Immaculate Seminary, Northampton, PA on May 26, 1973. His 52 years of priesthood were marked by a diversity of ministries, including seminary formation director, college professor, parish priest, pastor, university administrator, vocation director, retreat master, and chaplain. He served at Niagara University three different times, where he made vast improvements to the Athletic Department both in fund-raising and providing council and assistance to student-athletes and coaches. Through his efforts, part-time coaches received recognition for their efforts. Student athletes at NU now compete for the annual “Fr. O’Malley Award” for outstanding accomplishments on and off the athletic field. While at NU he also found time to serve as a chaplain to athletic teams and complete another master’s degree in history  and he earned a Graduate Certificate in Islamic Studies from Hartford Seminary, CT and an honorary doctorate in Humane Letters from St. John's University, NY.  For these and other efforts, he was inducted into Niagara’s Athletic Hall of Fame. 

Father O’Malley travelled the world visiting 76 of 195 countries and six continents. His travels stemmed from his research,which generated six published books and many pamphlets and articles. He always had pen and paper nearby so he could jot down fleeting thoughts to be pursued later. Besides scholarly activities, Fr. O’Malley took up golf in his fifties and never looked back. He preferred college sports to professional sports, such as Notre Dame football and St. John’s basketball. However,he did love his Philadelphia Eagles and followed the Buffalo Bills. 

Fr. O’Malley loved laughter and good times.! He loved dressing up as a leprechaun each March 17 and hosting a St. Patty’s Day party wherever he was stationed. He was seen as a man of deep faith and great wisdom. He was fair, never judgmental. He was a man of peace, no malice. He loved children. As Our Lord called the children to Him, so too did Fr. O’Malley. He interacted with children so easily to learn of their interests, goals, concerns. He loved and encouraged them. 

In addition to his parents, Fr. O’Malley was preceded in death by his brother Bartholomew, sister Catherince, nephew Charles Balogh, and nephew Patrick Minix. Five sisters and one brother survive him: Mary (Ron) Brunner, San Diego, CA; Margaret (John) McGinley, Poughkeepsie, NY; Anne (David) Minix, Fredericksburg, VA; Frances O’Malley, Lewes, DE; Helen O’Malley, Woodbury, NJ; William O’Malley, Sahuarita, AZ. He leaves behind 18 nieces and nephews and their spouses and 35 plus one on the way great nieces and nephews and two great grand nephews. 

Religious, relatives and friends are invited to his viewings Friday from 7-9PM at St Vincent’s Seminary Community Chapel 500 E Chelten Ave Philadelphia, PA 19144 or Saturday from 8:30-10AM at the Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, 500 E Chelten Ave Philadelphia, PA 19144.  Interment will be held privately at a later date.

Mass will be live-streamed and may be viewed using the following link: Livestream

 In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in his memory to Gloucester Catholic Junior Senior High School Development Office, 333 Ridgeway Street, Gloucester City, NJ 08030 or to The O’Malley Family Scholarship Fund, Niagara U. Development Office, NU, NY 14109.