Obituary of Joseph Patrick Walsh

WALSH, Joseph P. Jr., 85, of Land O’ Lakes, Florida passed away Thursday January 17, 2019. Joe was a devoted husband, father, grandpa, uncle, and mentor. Joe was a devout Catholic, and one of the most honest and open people you could possibly meet. He loved nothing more than spending time with family and friends - sharing his smile, warmth, stories, and hugs with all. He was born in the Bronx, New York. He attended St. Ann’s Academy, and earned a Navy ROTC scholarship to the College of the Holy Cross. After serving three years of active duty in the Navy, he returned to the Bronx where he met his soon-to-be bride of 56 years, Pat McCormick. Joe found his calling in education shortly after marriage, and taught high school and middle school math in Lynbrook, NY for 35 years while living in Rockville Centre, NY. Joe loved working with kids, and coached middle school soccer, high school golf, and RVC soccer for most of his career. He and Pat were active members of St. Agnes Cathedral parish in RVC, devoting his time as a lector and Eucharistic Minister. Joe & Pat were very active in the Marriage Encounter program, and also headed the Pre-Cana marriage preparation program at St. Agnes for many years. Joe loved being outdoors in nature, marveling at God’s creation every day. He loved camping - covering thousands of miles all over the country with his family over the years. The camping adventures led to finding a summer cottage on North River Lake in West Nottingham, NH, where the family and many friends enjoyed summers for over 20 years. For his entire life, golf was one of his greatest joys. He would play or watch any chance he got, and his love of the game made him many dear friends along the way. He loved crossword puzzles, and any game that came his way - bridge, casino, Michigan rummy, poker, pinochle, or dominos – it didn’t matter. He loved playing games with his kids and grandkids whenever he could. After retirement, Joe and Pat lived on Lake Panamoka in Ridge, NY in the summer and wintered in Florida for 20 years. They sold the house in Ridge and moved permanently to Land O’ Lakes, Florida in September of 2018, attending Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church. Joe is survived by his loving wife, Pat; brother, Jerry Walsh and his wife, Joan; his five children, Jim Walsh and his wife, Nancy, Joseph Walsh and his wife, Michelle, Janet Therrien, Patrick Walsh and his wife, Shannon, and Peter Walsh and his wife, Sarah. In addition to his children, he is survived by his twelve grandchildren, Nicolette, Laura, Kevin, Sean, Lily, Quinn, Violet, Owen, Matt, Davis, Darien, and Deidre. A visitation will be held at Loyless Funeral Home in Land O’ Lakes (5310 Land O’ Lakes Blvd) on Thursday, January 24th from 4:00-7:00 PM with a brief service at 6:00 PM. Funeral mass will be held on Friday, January 25th at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in Land O’ Lakes (2348 Collier Parkway) with burial to follow at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL at 1:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joe’s honor to Habitat for Humanity or Catholic Charities.