METHUEN – William A. Walsh, 87 a longtime Methuen resident, passed away on Sunday February 6, 2011 at the Merrimack Valley Hospital surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Lawrence, MA on July 7, 1923, he was the son of William and Mary (Griffin) Walsh. He attended Lawrence schools, including Central Catholic and graduated from the Augustinian Academy in New York.
Mr. Walsh served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged. After his return from the military, he studied to become a pharmacist and was the longtime owner of Leahy’s Pharmacy in Lawrence.
He was married for 60 years to his wife Marie E. (Cookson) Walsh who predeceased him in 2006. He enjoyed classical music and opera, but his greatest joy was spending time with his family.
He is survived by his children William A. Walsh, Jr., and his wife Susan of Haverhill, MA, Marie E. Beausoleil and her husband Gerry also of Haverhill, Nancy A. Bethel and her husband Richard of Peabody, MA and Michael J. Walsh and his wife Margaret of Andover, MA.
He also leaves a sister and brother Mary Collins of North Andover and Frank Walsh and his wife Claire of Windham, NH.
Grandchildren Jennifer Walsh, Ruth Walsh, Kathryn Bethel, Lauren Bethel, Conor Walsh, Rian Walsh and Ciaran Walsh.
Several nieces, nephews and cousins.
ARRANGEMENTS: In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association 311 Arsenal St. Watertown, MA 02472. Family and friends may call on Wednesday from 3:00p.m. – 7:00p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday at 9:30a.m. in St. Mary’s Church in Lawrence with burial to follow in the Elmwood Cemetery in Methuen, MA.