Larry S. O'Melia, 72, of Rock Island, died Saturday, January 29, 2022 at home.  Per his wishes, cremation rites were accorded and there will be no services.  Memorials may be made in care of Unity Point Hospice or the QC Animal Welfare Center, Milan.  Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island, is assisting the family.

Larry was born in Rock Island, Illinois on September 20, 1949, a son of Cecil and Jean Stemler O'Melia.  He graduated from Rock Island High School in 1967.  He graduated from Black Hawk College in 1975 with an Associate's Degree in the Arts of Fire Science.

Larry served six years in the U.S. Army National Guard.  He married Susan Cresswell in Rock Island in October of 2003.

Larry was a fireman for the Rock Island Fire Department from August 1, 1971 to June 1, 1999.  He also worked for Schindler Construction in Davenport for many years.  In addition to being a fireman and working construction, Larry was an excellent self-employed painter.

Larry enjoyed spending his Tuesday mornings having coffee with the retired fireman at the Rock Island Hy-Vee.  He looked forward to spending his Saturday mornings with his good friend, Frank at Tommy's in Davenport.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Susie O'Melia, Rock Island; sons, Mark (Mindy) O'Melia, Bettendorf and Chris O'Melia, Rock Island; four grandchildren; and siblings, Leslie (Barbara) O'Melia, East Moline, Laurie Kinsey, Rock Island, Linda O'Melia-Johnson, Silvis, Daniel (Larry) O'Melia, Palm Springs, Calif., Randy (Grace) O'Melia, San Antonio, Texas and Kerry O'Melia, Milan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law, David Kinsey and special cousin, Jim O'Melia.

Online condolences, memories and expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at wheelanpressly.com