Saturday, October 15, 2005

I'll Miss You, Dad






My sweet father died today. Even though he had been seriously ill recently, and not in the best health for many years, I still somehow figured he'd be around forever. My heart is broken. Our family takes solace in the fact that Dad died happy while watching his beloved Notre Dame leading USC. And the way we see it, if the cancer hadn't killed him, the way that game ended surely would have. I sure will miss those blue eyes and that sharp tongue. I love you, Dad.

William Walsh, 73, of Schuylkill Haven, Pa., died Saturday at the Rest Haven nursing home.

He was born in Pottsville on Sept. 5, 1932, to Michael F. "Mickey" Walsh, who was a boxing promoter and a sportswriter for the Republican, and the former Stella Ryan. Both parents are deceased.

Walsh was a member of the Catholic faith and a proud Irish-American who shared his father's love for sports, especially Notre Dame football. He served in the Air Force in the Korean War and raised three sons with the former Molly Kull in the Detroit area, where he worked for General Motors Corp. before returning to Pennsylvania for nursing-home care in the early 1970s.

He was preceded in death by his son Kevin; his twin brother, Kenneth; two other brothers; and four sisters. He is survived by his sons William of Washington, D.C., Terence of Chandler, Ariz., and Kenneth of New York City; his brother Joseph of Littlestown, Pa.; and nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited for visitation from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Robert A. Evans Funeral Home, Port Carbon. Services will be held at 5:30 p.m. from the funeral home with Monsignor Edward O'Connor officiating. He will be buried with his son Kevin in Arlington National Cemetery.


Photos (starting at top):
1. My Uncle Kenny (left) and my dad (right), the twins, duke it out in the boxing ring while their older brother, my Uncle Bob, referees, circa 1937.
2. Dad with his new son (me!), 1967.
3. My dad and my brother Billy (my favorite picture of them).
4. The Walsh men go to Washington, circa 1970 (Dad's holding me; Terence has the kickass Fisher-Price camera!).
5. Dad and me, 1993.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Kenneth. My dad died today too and I just want to say I'm sorry about your dad and to give you and your family my deepest sympathy. Take care.

Anonymous said...

Just want to pass along our sympathies as well to you and your family... you will be in our thoughts.

Extra Ordinary Boy said...

Hi Kenneth,

I just wanted to pass along my sympathies in this hard time. I lost my mother when I was 18 and my father at 25 (this year). I know words can do little in times like these, but please be strong and take any help/support you need.

Reviews For Jake said...

I'm sorry honey. The 310 feels for the 212.

WJR said...

Damn, Kenneth. So sorry to hear that. Let me know if there is anything I can do.

Anonymous said...

Really, really sorry to hear about this. Thinking of you.

Anonymous said...

I am really sorry to hear about your dad. You don't know me but your dad reminded me of my dad who is also a huge Notre Dame fan and probably around the same age as your dad.
Take care.

Anonymous said...

I Lost my Dad a week after my 11th birthday, mom passed just the Xmas before. I was tough, even after 35 years I miss our time then. But I dont let it stop my dreams - go on as if he is watching.