Ralph C. OíMalley, 76, of Hendersonville, NC, died Saturday, February 14, 2009, at his home.
Born in Queens, NY, he was a graduate of New York College and a US Army veteran.
Before retirement, he was employed by King Kullen Grocery in Garden City, Long Island, NY. In 1953, he joined the Garden City Volunteer Fire Department and served as Chief in 1966, retiring from the department in 1994, when he moved to Hendersonville. He was an avid golfer and attended St. James Episcopal Church.
He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Gigi OíMalley of Hendersonville; his sons, Daniel Flanigan III and wife, Jessica, of California, and Ralph C. OíMalley, Jr. of Hendersonville; a granddaughter, Mae Flanigan; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 3 PM Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at St. James Episcopal Church. The Reverend Joel Hafer will officiate. A reception will follow in the Stillwell Hall of St. James.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Blue Ridge Humane Society, 88 Centipede Lane, Hendersonville, NC 28792, or to Free Clinics, 841 Case Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792.
Charlie Byrd posted on 2/21/09
Sorry to hear of your loss. We were out of town and unable to attend the services. Love Charlie
Dennis and Dawn Kantz posted on 2/17/09
Dear Gigi, Ralph, Daniel, Jesica and Mae. We are so very sorry for your loss. Ralph was a wonderful man and we will truly miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Much love, Denny and Dawn
Nancy Kirk Smith posted on 2/22/09
Dear Gigi, I was sorry to read of your loss in the G.C. News online. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love Nancy Kirk Smith
William and Sarah Strobel posted on 2/17/09
Gigi and family, We are so sorry about the passing of Ralph. We are in FL for the winter and not able to come to the service but our thoughts and sympathy are with you. We have many good memories of Christmas parties for the barn volunteers at your house. Our prayers are with you and all the family. Take care. We look forward to seeing you some time at the barn in the future, Gigi. Sincerely, Sarah and William Strobel
kate kochle posted on 2/23/09
Oh, Gigi. I had been trying to reach you for several weeks to let you know about things going on with my mother. The phone number I had didn't go to you. Then I happened to log onto the GC News website and saw the obituary. Eerie timing on my part. On behalf of my mother, I would like to say that she will be forever grateful for Ralph's friendship to my father. If she was able, I know she would willingly make a donation to the Blue Ridge Humane Soc. I will contact my mother's guardian and request that it be done. I know when the O'Malley family were her next door neighors, she entrusted y'all to look after her animals when she might have gone out of town. I remember Ralph as a real 'charachter' - he had a zest for life that was inspirational to me. I have no doubt that he effected others in the same way. You were fortunate to have spent so many years with an amazing man. You and the family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ryan Holbert posted on 2/18/09
Ralph Jr., I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. I know that you were very close to him. I just wanted you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Ryan, Wyatt, Bailey, and Oliver Holbert.
Bob Dalzell posted on 2/23/09
We joined the GCFD the same year. I was Chief in 1972 and left in 1980. I called his old friend & my brother-in-law Tom Cuff And told him. I now live in Lexington, KY and trevel thru Henderson ville often, but didn't know that Ralph lived there.
Doug MacLeod posted on 2/18/09
Dear Gigi, Danny and Ralph, You are in our hearts and prayers as we think about and celebrate the life of Uncle Ralph. He was a wonderful, gentle, softspoken man, with a sense of humor that was always playful, (if not conspiratorial). He was an inclusive person, who could bring people together and make them at ease with a quiet quip, wink and a smile. He was a devoted family man, loving husband and father and I am better for having known him. Ir is in this way he will continue to inspire me over the years to come.
Arthur M. Edmonds, Jr. posted on 2/25/09
DEAR GIGI, DANNY & RALPH, I'M HERE AT MY HOME IN NAPLES, FL. I JUST READ IN THE G.C. NEWS WITH SHOCK AND SADNESS THE PASSING OF RALPH. HE WAS A WONDERFUL DAMSON STREET NEIGHBOR.ALWAYS ''THERE'' FOR YOU. MY MIND SEES YOU GIGI, RALPH AND TIGER OUT FOR A WALK.JUDY AND I ADMIRED THE ''SPECIAL'' LOVE YOU BOTH HAD FOR EACH OTHER AND THE WONDERFUL FAMILY YOU RAISED. I CAN ONLY SAY THAT TIME WILL BE YOUR BEST FRIEND.TIME HEALS, YOU DO GO ON AS PAINFUL NOW AS IT IS AND YOUR WONDERFUL MEMORIES WITH RALPH IS SOMETHING NO ONE CAN TAKE FROM YOU. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND GIVE YOU STRENGTH EACH DAY, ONE DAY AT A TIME. ALL OUR LOVE, ARTHUR ART III & MICHELLE PAM & MARK
Kim and Charley Rogers posted on 2/18/09
Dear Gigi, Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this very sad time. I'll always remember Ralph at our "barn" holiday parties which you graciously hosted at your home. What a sweet man.
The Olsen family posted on 3/8/09
Sorry for responding so late. We wanted to send our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Sue and Steve Olsen
David & Jodi Scott posted on 2/18/09
a good friend and golf buddy will be sadly missed.
Bob Norman posted on 11/13/11
Its sad, I just read about Ralphs passing yesterday. We were friends a long time. God father to my daughter Nancy. Played alot of BB with Ralph and brother Bill. Ralph was a good man. RIP old buddy. My best wishes to his family
Norm Piasecki posted on 2/18/09
Ralph Jr. My deepest sympathy on the loss of your father. May all the special memories you have comfort you.
Mary Frances Burkett posted on 2/17/09
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are sorry about Ralph . Mary Frances, Kelly, Tracy and Emma Beth Burkett
Suzi Cosler posted on 2/18/09
Dearest Ralph,and family, We send you our love and prayers.May you all find strength during this time,and may God wrap His loving arms around you all.Another angel went to heaven to get it ready for the rest of us. Suzi
Barry Phillips posted on 2/17/09
Ralph and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of grief. May God bless you all and hold your hand while you mourn the loss of your patriarch. God Bless.... Barry and the Kanuga Kitchen Staff
Jean-Jacques & Sue Benoist posted on 2/18/09
Gigi, We have heard the sad news and want you to know we are thinking of you during this difficult time. Our thoughts are to embrace all the wonderful times and memories of Ralph. Time will heal.
Chris & Bettye Petersen posted on 2/17/09
Bettye and I knew Ralph through our daughter Jessica and our son-in-law Daniel. Ralph was always a jovial gentleman who loved life and his family. He will be missed.
Denise Gilbert Robbins posted on 2/18/09
Gigi, My thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time. God bless you & yours now & always. Denise Chesapeake, VA
Ken and Jen Butcher posted on 2/17/09
Gigi and Ralph, Jr. and family, Our hearts were saddened to see Ralph's death notice in the paper yesterday. We will certainly miss his smiling face in the shop. We are thinking of you. All our love, Ken and Jen Butcher
janene donovan posted on 2/18/09
Gigi, my thoughts are with you. You are such a special person I wish I could take away some of the pain but please know that I will help if you need anything.
Dr. Newsom & Staff posted on 2/17/09
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. We will truly miss Ralph.
Pamela Kelly posted on 2/20/09
Dear Gigi, Just read Ralph's obituary in the GC News. I am so sorry for your loss. Ralph was a wonderful person and a great partner to you and Dad for the boys. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May friends, family, God and your memories be a comfort to all of you. Love, Pam Kelly
Dianne and Tom Moody posted on 2/17/09
Gigi, Ralph and Dan, We have known you all as if forever. It doesn't seem possible that Ralph is not physically with us anymore. But there are so many times that the Moody's stop and think of all the fun times we all had together. Those memories will keep Ralph alive to us forever. May God give you peace and strength to withstand your loss. Love, Dianne and Tom and Family
Morris & Irene Guthrie posted on 2/21/09
Gigi,Ralph,Jr and family it is with great regrets that we send this expression of sympathy to you. Ralph was a dear friend to both of us and the best and most considerate golfing partner I have ever had. It is with great regrets we have not been able to be with you in this time of great sorrow. Our best and our love to you. Morris & Irene
Eleanor Crum posted on 2/17/09
Gigi, I am so sorry to read about Ralph's death. You have my symphony and prayers. I am in PEO--Chapter BN with Dotty Jacobs and remember the times you have been a part of our luncheons. Much love, Eleanor
Cindy Mann posted on 2/21/09
Dear Gigi, May the Lord hold you up during this time, only He can give us the strength to endure the loss of a loved one. Ralph was a special guy, I didn't know him well, but you couldn't miss his great sense of humor. And he was like a cuddly teddy bear, I enjoyed a few hugs from him over the years. Please know I am here for you. Love, Cindy
Lucy Rosato posted on 2/17/09
Gigi and Ralph Jr...I will be with you in NC in spirit with all my heart, and I will see you in New York. Love, Lucy
Helene Molloy posted on 2/21/09
Dear Gigi, So sorry to hear of Ralph's death. My prayer's and thoughts are with you and your family. Helene Molloy Mastro
“All aspects of service to be provided were explained in detail in a calm and reassuring way.”
Taylor A. Flood posted on 2/17/09
Gigi & Ralph Jr, Although I am unable to be there with you a this troubled time, know that I am thinking of you. You have my deepest sympathy. Love always, Taylor