Peter O’Malley’s journey, his son Joe records, “started in a small farmhouse in Ireland, trudged through much uncertainty, and eventually led him to solid ground in Dorchester.” Last Saturday, his family and friends took note of that odyssey at a surprise 70th birthday party for Peter at an overflowing Florian Hall.

O’Malley is described by most as a man who knows how to keep moving, whether it’s running marathons, exercising daily, or making his rounds across Dorchester and South Boston. Most agreed on Saturday that at 70, his life story is testament to the power of perseverance, community, and grit.

A long-time union laborer in Local 223, a father, grandfather, and friend to many in the recovery community, O’Malley was unprepared for what greeted him as he stepped into the hall on Saturday; many who know him well suggested beforehand that “he’s probably going to turn around, walk out, and drive away.”

But O’Malley didn’t do that. After the initial shock, it was all smiles and happy memories.

“As a first-generation American father, I often reflect on how far we’ve come,” said Peter’s son Joe, who wrote a personal tribute to his dad from which some of the narrative in this story is taken.

“Thanks to the sacrifices and hard work of those who came before us – in Local 223, the immigrant communities, and most importantly in recovery – we’ve been able to start life on first base,” said Joe, “giving our children the chance to start on second or third base. That’s what my father’s life reminds me: none of us get here alone.

He added: “His life reminds us that even in uncertain and divided times, good people like him keep trudging forward, turning mud into solid ground and creating lives filled with love, laughter, and meaning.”

His dad was born in 1955 in the Gaelic-speaking region of Roskeeda in County Galway, the only boy among seven siblings in a small farmhouse without indoor plumbing. He came to America speaking very little English, and settled with his sister, Mary, and her husband, John Walsh. Just another young Irish immigrant at the time, he found strength in his community and joined the Laborers Union Local 223, which John Walsh’s family had helped to establish.

“My father benefitted from that legacy, joining the union himself, securing job stability, and building a life where he could support a family, send us to parochial schools, and provide opportunities that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise,” said son Joe. “Today, the Walsh family legacy continues with the third generation now in leadership positions throughout the Boston Building Trades and beyond.”

Peter retired from the union about 15 years ago but during his working years he had owned Deeney O’Malley’s Pub in South Boston with his late friend, Phil Deeney, for many years. The business was sold after Deeney passed tragically following surgery.

Family connections lived on, though, and that included former Boston mayor and US Labor Secretary Marty Walsh, who is Peter’s nephew. However, Marty, now the executive director of the NHL Players Association, “was just another nephew who battled life-threatening cancer, being shot, and alcoholism,” said Joe O’Malley, “a nephew that could count on his uncle for unconditional love and support. My father’s steadfast commitment to family mirrors his larger role in the community, where he’s always been a pillar of support – the kind of guy you can count on, no matter what.”

Having battled alcoholism himself, Peter also helped many friends get and stay sober “one day at a time.”

He is often found at Peter Welch’s Gym in South Boston, or at the Irish Pastoral Centre in Adams Village – not to mention his regular time at the Boston Athletic Association (BAA), where he trained and completed numerous marathons that he has run minus the toes on his right foot, which he lost earlier in life during an accident at a paper mill. Peter was told he would never walk again, but he persevered and not only walked, but ran, completing marathons completed below the 3:10 mark.

Only occasionally will anyone find him at his Hinckley Street home in Dorchester, due to the busy schedule he keeps.

On Saturday, smiles swelled across the room from the guests, a group that included three city councillors, former Councillor Frank Baker, the actor Kevin Chapman, Marty Walsh, and scores of family and friends.

The Forbes School of Irish Dance in Quincy gave a special performance, with Peter’s granddaughter performing a solo dance. It was a tribute to his life’s journey, one his son said has recently transitioned from an active exercise and social life to more of a doting grandfather who is there for his grandchildren every day.

Yet, everyone in Florian Hall commented that he hasn’t ceased to be there for any of them, either. That, they said, was why so many showed up at the surprise party on Saturday – in the same way that Peter had shown up for them over and over when it wasn’t convenient for him.

“He’s the kind of man who never says no to someone in need, even if it might cost him,” said son Joe.

Mark Morris, Kevin Chapman, Brendan Murphy, Councillor John FitzGerald, Tom Tinlin, and Peter Manning. Seth Daniel photos

City leaders and former city leaders presented a certificate, including (l-r) Kim Thai, Pat Brophy, Peter O’Malley, Councillors Erin Murphy and Ed Flynn, and Aisha Miller.

Peter O’Malley with his good friend, Will Onuoha – who incidentally is running for councillor at-large.

Former ISD Director Sean Lydon, Christine Walsh, and Councillor Erin Murphy.

Brian P. Pomphret and Brian Pomphret.

South Boston State Rep. David Biele and Dorchester’s David Mareira.