James K. (Kerry) O'Malley

James K. O'Malley (Kerry)

Age 78. Respected Pittsburgh (Mt. Lebanon) criminal trial attorney for 50 years passed away on January 12, 2018. Kerry grew up in Munhall and Swisshelm Park, son of Dr. Francis J. O'Malley and Edna (Glaser) O'Malley. A graduate of St. Thomas High School, he attended John Carroll University and received his law degree from Georgetown University. He served as a first lieutenant in the Army Transportation Corp in Norfolk, Virginia and Brooklyn, New York.

He was known for his sharp wit, skillful legal acumen, and button-down style. A zealous defender of the right to due process, he ensured that those whom he defended received a fair hearing. Innocent until proven guilty was his mantra. He was an expert in wiretapping who testified before Congress during the post-Watergate fallout. He was often the voice of reason while representing his clients during the 1978-1979 Boston College basketball point shaving scandal.

While defending clients from California to Boston, he always dedicated time to coaching the many youth soccer and softball teams on which his children played.

In retirement he was a voracious reader of mystery novels, enjoyed birdwatching from his patio and reading stories to his grandchildren.

He is survived by wife of 54 years Rose "Mimi" Fronczek, and children Kieran (Julie) O'Malley, Maura (Ihab) Salib, Megan O'Malley, Kara O'Malley, and Kathleen (Tom) Freyvogel, brother Dr. Donald (Margaret) O'Malley, sister Kathleen (Wayne) Mulligan, and brother Francis (Diane) O'Malley, brother in law Dr. William (Joann) Fronczek, sister in law Kathryn (Dr. Paul) Zimmons, sister in law Teresa (David) Rowles, and eight adored grandchildren: Mary O'Malley, Tristan O'Malley, Yesmina Salib, Sophia Salib, Olivia Salib, Abigail Freyvogel, Lily Freyvogel, and Grace Freyvogel.


In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mt. Lebanon Public Library, 16 Castle Shannon Blvd, Pittsburgh 15228.