Thomas A. Walsh, 80, formerly of Haverhill; Spring Hill, Fla.; Peabody; and Lynn, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at the Kirkwood Corners, Lee, N.H., after a lengthy illness.
Born in Lynn, he was the son of the late, Joseph F. and Margaret (Buchanan) Walsh. Raised and educated in Lynn, he attended St. Patrick’s Grammar School, St. Mary’s High School, and Lynn Classical High School, where he graduated with the class of 1955. Shortly after graduation, he was inducted into the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany for the next two years. He was honorably discharged in 1962. He continued his education at North Shore Community College earning his associates degree. Walsh met the love of his life, Katherine D. (Long), they married in 1964 and raised their family in Lynn.
Walsh was employed as a manager for the Lynn Housing Authority and was very well known in the City. Family, friends and colleagues would all agree Walsh had a quick Irish wit. He was a gifted storyteller and life of the party. He was also known for his open door policy at his home. After retiring, he and his wife Katherine lived as “Snowbirds,” living between Peabody and Spring Hill, Fla., until moving to Spring Hill in 2008. Katherine passed away in 2010 and he returned to Haverhill to live with his son in 2013.
He leaves a son, Joseph D. and his wife, Lisa A. (Booth) Walsh, of Haverhill; two daughters, Cristella Walsh, of Tennessee, and Terri Walsh, of Lynn; six grandchildren, Adeana Murray, Kristine DeLuca, Jason Walsh, Rachel Walsh, Tom Walsh and Jeffrey Ekstrom; six greatgrandchildren; siblings, John Walsh and his wife Doty, of Wilmington, James Walsh, of Lynnfield, David Walsh and his wife Janice, of Lynnfield, and Rita Farrell, of Lee, N.H.; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Joseph F. Walsh and his wife Betty, and sisters in law, Lynn, Betty, and brother in law, William Farrell.
Funeral services are private. Arrangements are by the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main St. Haverhill. Memorial donations may be made in his name to the Veterans Northeast Outreach Center, 10 Reed St. Haverhill, MA 01832.