William H. “Bill” Walsh 87, of Ft. Myers Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, Wednesday April 17, 2024, following an illness. He was the beloved husband of Helen V. (Houghton) Walsh, with whom he shared 64 years of marriage.
Born May 29, 1936, in Winthrop, Massachusetts, the son of the late Henry J. and Lillian C. (Malaguti) Walsh, he was a former longtime resident of Franklin before moving to Florida.
He was raised in the Dorchester section of Boston and attended Christopher Columbus High School. He continued his education at Boston College and graduated with the Class of 1958. Following his graduation he served in the United States Marine Corps, attaining the rank of Sergeant and was honorably discharged in May 1962.
Upon completing his service, he started working for GTE Sylvania and retired after 34 years as director of contracts.
A devout catholic, he was an active member and volunteer at St. Mary’s Church, where he taught religious education, participated in parish plays, assisted with Pre-Cana preparation, and for forty years dedicated his time to the annual St. Rocco Festival.
During his retirement Bill enjoyed gardening, golfing in multiple leagues, fishing, and boating trips in the Gulf of Mexico. He continued to volunteer serving as the president of the Boardwalk Caper Association for many years. He was an avid reader and history buff. Above all he treasured spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, Bill is survived by his daughters, Patti A. Walsh of Franklin, Jeanne M. Walsh of Taunton and Nancy E. Brown and her husband Steven of Franklin, and a sister Ellen (Leo) Heaney of Leesburg, Virginia.
Also surviving are his cherished grandchildren, Virginia M. Goulston and her husband Max of North Easton, Julianne E. Drowne of Cumberland, RI, William V. Drowne of East Freetown, Jason H. Brown, & Caroline E. Brown both of Franklin and a great grandson Rex Goulston.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral Monday April 22nd, at 9AM from the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. followed by a funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, 1 Church Square Franklin at 10AM. To view the Mass stmarysfranklin.org
Burial with military honors will follow at the parish cemetery.
Calling hours are Sunday from 2-5PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be sent to Random Smile Project P.O. Box 13 Franklin, MA 02038 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude place Memphis, TN 38105.
“Once a Marine Always A Marine” Semper Fi
Guestbook www.oterifuneralhome.com