Francis D. Walsh July 23, 1924 – February 20, 2019 Share this obituary Send Flowers View/Sign Guest Book| Send Sympathy Card Francis D. Walsh of Wilmington, MA passed away peacefully February 20, 2019 at Windsor Place Assisted Living Facility surrounded by his loving family. He was 94 years young and a loving husband, devoted father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend. Frank was born in Boston, MA on July 23, 1924.
The youngest of six children of Jeremiah and Mary (Moriarty) Walsh, he was affectionately known as “Kid” Walsh. Frank had been a resident of Wilmington, MA since 2012. Prior to that he lived in Reading, MA for 15 years, Laurel, MD for 27 years and Glen, NH for 15 years.
At age 19, Frank joined the Army serving the US Military as a Private 1st Class in the 774th Field Artillery Battalion in World War II. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and in the Liberation of Paris. Thankfully, he survived and made it home where he would meet and marry the love of his life Clara on August 27, 1949.
Together they raised four children: Jim, Dave, Janet, Laura. Frank started his career at Hanscom Air Force Base working as a Chief Administrative Services Manager. He attended Northeastern University at night earning a Bachelor of Business Administration, graduating in 1954.
Frank spent the rest of his career working for NASA as a budget analyst, first in Cambridge, MA, then in Washington, DC, before retiring in 1979. He was one of the few lucky ones that enjoyed retirement longer than he worked! Together, Frank and Clara traveled the world – Italy, Ireland, England, Australia, Hawaii, Alaska to name a few, and also spent time in the winter months in Delray Beach, Florida.
With his wife Clara, Frank participated in many volunteer activities throughout his life and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. An avid sports fan, rooting for both the Washington Redskins and the New England Patriots, Frank also enjoyed watching the Celtics, Red Sox, boxing, and track & field. For many years, his main passion was playing golf, enjoying many outings and tournaments.
A skilled ping pong player, Frank also participated in several Senior Olympics table tennis events. A highlight of his life, Frank was awarded the prestigious French Legion of Honor Medal from the Consulate General of France for his military service in the Liberation of Paris. This is the oldest and highest honor bestowed on a non-French Citizen, awarded by decree of the French President.
The ceremony was generously hosted by Windsor Place Assisted Living Facility. Frank thoroughly enjoyed living as a resident there for the last 6 1/2 years of his life with the caring staff and his many friends. Frank was the beloved husband to Clara Walsh for 70 years.
Devoted father of James Walsh and his companion Kristin Cohan of Saco, ME; David Walsh and his wife Donna of Reading, MA; Janet Hogan and her husband Kevin of New Smyrna Beach, FL; and Laura Dobrzykowski and her husband Kenneth of Olney, MD. Loving grandfather of Kerrie Doyle (Jim), Kailey Fitzgerald (Brendan), O’Malley Walsh; John Walsh (Casey), James Walsh (Elizabeth), Lindsay McCarthy (Ryan); Daniel Hogan (Kolleen), Erin Mercer (Patrick), Shannon Hogan, Brian Hogan; Emily and Natalie Dobrzykowski. Great grandfather of Bennett, Lucy, Franklin and Maeve Walsh; Dean and Peyton Mercer; Brecken and Lennox Hogan; and Holden Fitzgerald.
Frank’s funeral will be held at the Douglass, Edgerley and Bessom Funeral Home, 25 Sanborn St., Reading, MA on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at 9:30 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Athanasius Catholic Church, 300 Haverhill St. Reading, MA at 10:30 am. Burial will follow at Wood End Cemetery, Reading. Funeral home visiting hours will be held Monday, February 25, 2019 from 4-8 pm.
For directions and on-line guest book please visit www. johnbdouglassfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to www.
woundedwarriorsfamilysupport.org or Hospice Services of Massachusetts, 391 Broadway Street, Everett, MA 02149.
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