Michael J. O'Malley Sr.

Michael J. O’Malley Sr., 85, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born on August 6, 1941, in Springfield, Massachusetts to William and Kathryn O’Malley. Michael grew up in Longmeadow Massachusetts and graduated from Cathedral High School. He attended Rochester Institute of Technology but left early due to the sudden passing of his father to take over the family business, M.J. O’Malley Printing Co. in West Springfield. There he built the foundation of hard work and dedication, values he passed on to his five children and, in time, his grandchildren.

Michael married Linda Chalifoux in 1976 and together they had 5 children: Kelly, William, Michael, Patrick and Kerry who remain his proudest gifts. Michael wrote his own rules and paved his own way, and if you told him he couldn’t do something, he would do everything possible to prove you wrong. He was a fighter and never quit, which held true even in his final days. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a personality that made him hard to forget.

Throughout his life, Michael touched many lives and was active in his community. He cheered his children on through countless sporting events, usually sitting alone, encouraging his children ‘not to pass’. His love of baseball led him to found the O’Malley Printers, a semi-professional team from Western Massachusetts that played in the Tri-County League during the 1980s and 1990s. He served on the Board of Trustees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and was a longtime member of Springfield Country Club.

Michael loved the ocean, the beach and the warm weather. Summers were spent in Groton Long Point, Connecticut, where the family still treasures memories of rides up and down the shore on the family boat, ‘High Fives’, named for his five children. He also spent 10 years in Hallandale Beach, Florida cruising the Intercoastal Waterway aboard “The Connor Man”, named for his first grandchild.

Above all, Michael “Grandpa” was a devoted father and a proud grandfather who lived life fully and on his own terms. He was never afraid to learn something new. His success was built on family, determination, humor and heart. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, and his spirit will live on in the endless stories and laughter his family will share for years to come.

Michael is survived by his former wife, Linda O’Malley; his children, Kelly Elio and her husband, Matt; William O’Malley and his wife, Gina; Patrick O’Malley and his wife, Lauren; and Kerry Baldwin and her husband, Blake. He was predeceased by his son, Michael O’Malley Jr. He also leaves behind seven beloved grandchildren: Connor, Kate, and Brennan Elio, and Teddy, Neely, Bo, and Lola Baldwin.

Visiting hours will be held on November 18 from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. at McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home in Cohasset, Massachusetts, followed by an 11:00 a.m. Mass at St. Anthony’s Church in Cohasset.

Burial will take place at 11 a.m. on November 19th at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Springfield, Massachusetts.