In Memoriam: Michael O'Melia, 67
Chemical Bank Real Estate Finance VP
Michael Keene O'Melia, who worked for Chemical Bank in Real Estate Finance and overseas, died at his home in Santa Fe, NM, on January 27, 2025. He was 67. After graduating from Kenyon College in Ohio, he assisted the family real estate business in New York, where he obtained his real estate appraisal credentials. Shortly thereafter, O'Melia was hired by Chase Manhattan Bank (Chemical Bank) and served as Vice President, Chase Real Estate Finance, Underwriting and Evaluation Group. There, he was sent to Hong Kong and London among many other locations.
O'Melia then joined Lehman Brothers in New York City, where he soon became Senior Vice President, Global Real Estate Finance Bank Loans Group. On 9/11, he was in the Lehman offices next to the World Trade Center. Deciding that he needed a life change, he relocated to Santa Fe. At the time of his death, he had recently retired after almost 20 years as Deputy Director with the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Property Tax Division.
He is survived by his sister Johanna and his brother-in-law Michael Waldock.
A memorial service will be held at noon on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Berardinelli McGee Event Center, 1320 Luisa Street in Santa Fe.