June 25, 2015

Dr. O’Malley posed with his daughter Bailey (left), his wife Nadine and Shelby, the family’s dog.

Michael O’Malley, PhD, associate director of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and adjunct associate professor of health policy and management at UNC’s Gillings School of Global Public Health, has passed away unexpectedly.

Dr. O’Malley committed over 30 years of service to the state of North Carolina and was an exceptional leader who many knew as a great “connector.” At the Gillings School, he served as a mentor for countless students over the years. He also co-directed the Cancer Control Education Program, an NCI-funded pre- and postdoctoral training program in cancer prevention and control.

Though he semi-retired last year, Dr. O’Malley still played a pivotal role in advising the cancer center leadership. He is remembered by his colleagues as a great father and loving husband. He was also a wonderful cook, always had a witty joke, loved to cycle and played on the basketball team that won the 1990 Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) national championship in the men’s 40+ league.

“We were shocked and saddened to learn today about the untimely death of our colleague and friend Michael O’Malley,” said Gillings School Dean Barbara K. Rimer. “Michael was the kind of man who quietly stepped up and made great things happen, without wanting or needing recognition or praise. He provided a lot of the glue that resulted in an amazingly powerful bridge between the Gillings School of Global Public Health and the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.”

“Countless people in the School and Lineberger are happier and more productive because they intersected with Michael,” Dean Rimer added. “I am grateful for all the ways he facilitated my transition to UNC and thankful for all the times we asked him to serve on a critical School committee, and he said ‘yes.’”

Memorial service
A memorial to honor Dr. O’Malley and reflect on his life and service will be held Saturday, August 22, from 1 to 3 p.m., at the Genome Sciences Building on UNC’s campus (Room G100). The Genome Sciences Building is located near the Bell Tower and the Carolina Union in the center of the UNC Campus. Parking will be available in the Bell Tower Parking Deck, near the intersection of South Road and Bell Tower Drive. [See #9 on campus map.]

The program will begin with planned remarks. Time also will be allotted for individuals in the audience who would like to share memories of Dr. O’Malley. A reception will be held in the Genome Sciences building at the conclusion of the program.

In his memory, friends and colleagues are invited to donate to the Michael S. O’Malley Cancer Prevention Fund at the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. The fund will carry on his passionate life’s work by funding innovative education and research initiatives at UNC Lineberger designed to prevent cancer.

For details about memorial gifts or to share your thoughts and reflections with Dr. O’Malley’s family, please visit michael.web.unc.edu. His obituary can be found here.


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Gillings School of Global Public Health contact: David Pesci, director of communications, (919) 962-2600 or dpesci@unc.edu
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