Father Francis A. O'Malley was born in Philadelphia, November 6, 1898 and entered the Society of Jesus at Poughkeepsie September 7, 1918.
After completing his early studies, he went to Weston for Philosophy and in 1925 was assigned to teach at Canisius High School. He commenced his Theology in 1928 at Woodstock and was ordained in 1931. His tertianship followed in Cleveland after which in 1933 he was assigned to Canisius College as Prefect of Discipline for one year. For two years he was Prefect of Studies at Xavier High School New York City and in 1936 returned to Canisius College to assume the position of Prefect of Studies. On November 8, 1937 he was named Rector of Canisius College and held this until his death.
Father O'Malley died on June 2, 1941 very suddenly while Rector of this college.
In 1938, he constructed the Horan-O'Donnell Science Hall.