Brian Scott O'Malley

Brian Scott O’Malley, a longtime resident of Albuquerque passed away in his home on 13 October 2021 with his loving wife of 36 years, Michaela by his side. Brian was born in Taipei, Taiwan, 2 December 1959. He was the youngest of five children born to James and Christine O’Malley. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Marty, Michael and John O’Malley and father-in-law Gaston Samaha who passed 20 years prior to the day and late brother-in-law Ted Barre.

Brian’s love and kindness for family and friends gave him comfort that he treasured to his final days. He loved asking you where you hailed from and what made you happy.

It would be an understatement to say Brian was passionate about playing the game of basketball, until you define the word “passion”. He truly had a strong feeling of enthusiasm and was excited to play the game.  He started at a very young age competing at Holy Ghost School. Next stop, St. Pius X High where he played for two years before moving on to El Dorado High. As fate would have it Brian and his Eagles got the best of his previous Pius teammates one cool fall evening at El Dorado.  Brian played a significant role in the defeat of the Sartans.  Brian’s performance in his senior season was significant enough to earn him a scholarship to play at Yavapai Junior College in Arizona. Brian “loved” the game of basketball so much he built a mini court in his backyard. That small court attracted neighbors, friends and brought much fun to our family gatherings. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in Finance at NM State.

He loved a day on the lake in his boat listening to music and enjoying a Coors Light with his children, nephews and numerous friends. He and Michaela enjoyed many trips to their home in Elephant Butte even in the winter months. When he was not driving his family around in his boat, he loved a challenging round of golf, another great passion.

Brian worked in the insurance industry for over 35 years. His career started as an insurance professional with Manual Lujan Agency, later for the Talbot Agency, and then HUB International before finding his final true home over the past 14 years with Berger Briggs. Brian prided himself as a professional insurance consultant and the product of his hard work were the numerous loyal clients he represented through the years. Many of Brian’s clients worked with him for over 25 years and have praised Brian for his integrity and honesty as he built personal relationships with almost everyone that he came into contact with.

Brian was an active member in the Serra Club of Albuquerque/Catholic Club for Religious Vocations. He served as president for 2 years. He enjoyed meeting so many priests and seminarians and listening to their discernments.

Brian will be greatly missed for his joy of life and love of family and friends.

Brian is survived by his wife Michaela; sister, Caryn Barre and husband Jim Mont; son Shane O’Malley and wife Jenny O’Malley, daughter, Erin O’Malley and husband, Isaac Gonzales and step grandchildren, Brody, Bently and Carter. Nephews Colin O’Malley and wife Dena children Brady and Claire, Derek O’Malley and wife Samantha, son Conner, Ryan Barre and wife Brigit son Brooks, Sean Barre, Kenny O’Malley. Mother-in-Law Maritza Samaha; Brother-in-Law Peter Samaha and wife Tamara Samaha and their daughters, Brian’s nieces Victoria Samaha and Leandra Samaha and his large extended Samaha family.

A rosary will be recited at Daniels Funeral Home on Wyoming on Sunday, 24 October 2021, at 4:00pm.  A catholic mass in celebration of Brian’s life will be held Monday, 25 October 2021 at 10:00am at Annunciation Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers the family please choose the charity of your choice for donations in Brian’s memory.