Dorothy C. O'Malley

Dorothy C. O’Malley, age 94, died Saturday, January 27, 2024 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick NJ after a brief illness.

Born July 31, 1929 in Paterson NJ, Dorothy was the daughter of the late Arthur and Pauline (Birchtold) Chaplin. After growing up in Paterson, Dorothy eventually moved to New Milford NJ where she lived for more than 60 years with her new husband, the late John James O'Malley, to raise her family. She then moved to Readington Township NJ a few years ago to live with her daughter.

Dorothy was a Legal Secretary for the Honorable Judge Roy F. McGeady in Rochelle Park NJ for many years until her retirement.

Earlier in her life, Dorothy spent time with her life long friends, Carolyn Semento and Catherine Ritchie, the latter of whom she traveled throughout Europe and other places for many years. She loved the holidays, especially Christmas where her home was filled with decorations and her favorite holiday music. There were many trips to see Broadway shows, the ballet or to the many art museums to view her favorite impressionist artists, Monet or Van Gogh, which brought her much joy.

A true animal lover, Dorothy was a champion for displaced dogs and especially, cats. She cared for countless cats that needed a new home with great passion. She was known as a voracious reader, especially mystery novels, loved to play bingo and Scrabble at the Golden Club of Whitehouse Station NJ (where she often was a big winner!) or was spending time in the kitchen where she created many treats for her family – her apple, blueberry and peach pies were favorites among those that were fortunate enough to sample her culinary talents. Her family will remember her desire for a beer, a glass of good scotch, or her daily cup of hot tea.

In addition to her parents, Dorothy was predeceased by her daughter, Barbara O’Malley Venusti in 2016 and her sister, Betty Chaplin Vetrano in 2023. She is survived by her two sons and daughters-in-law, John and Judie O’Malley of Gorham ME, and Michael and Trisha O’Malley of Ramsay NJ, her daughter, Patricia O’Malley of Readington Township NJ, and her six grandchildren, Johannah and Kale Schrader of Kearney MO, Jonathan and Alyssa Venusti of Mahwah NJ, Sara and Frank Buch of Morrison CO, Brendan and Megan O’Malley of Philadelphia PA, Aiden O’Malley of Ramsay NJ and Ella O’Malley of Ramsay NJ, as well as her three great-grandchildren, Clara, Edison and Francesca.

Funeral services for Dorothy will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822. Interment will follow in George Washington Memorial Park, 234 Paramus Road, Paramus, NJ 07652. Friends may call Thursday from 10:30 am until the time of service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions in Dorothy’s name may be made to Tabby’s Place, 1100 US-202, Ringoes, NJ 08551 or by clicking here .

For further information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.