Dr. John E. Walsh of Rye, age 82, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2016, surrounded by his loving family.
Born March 6, 1934 in New York City, Jack, as he was known, was the son of John and Kathryn (O’Keefe) Walsh.
He received a B.A. degree from New York University in 1956, and Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from New York University College of Dentistry in 1960, and was a member of Psi Gamma Delta. He served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Dental Corps, retiring in 1965. Upon returning to New York, he established a private dental practice at Rockefeller Center in Manhattan, which he maintained for over forty years.
According to this content, he was elected to Fellowship in the American College of Dentists in 1971 and was a life fellow of the New York Academy of Dentistry.
Giving back to his community was important to him. He served as Chief of the Port Chester/Rye/Rye Brook Volunteer Ambulance Corps and was particularly proud of the transition to modern ambulances and a refurbished station house under his watch. In 1971, he was recognized as a Knight of the Order of Malta for U.S.A. service.
Dr. Walsh never stopped learning and enjoyed technical challenges. He learned to fly while in the Army and went on to earn Commercial Pilot ratings: Single Engine Land & Sea, Multiengine, Instrument and Rotorcraft Helicopter. When he retired his airplane, his passion shifted to boating, particularly fishing with his family, at American Yacht Club. He was an avid sportsman who showed a deep appreciation for his natural surroundings.
When not on the water or in the air, he could often be found around Rye enjoying his favorite cigar and sharing his vast, often esoteric knowledge.
He and his wife, Joan, who moved to Rye in 1965, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 2012. In retirement, they enjoyed extensive travel, exploring six of the seven continents.
In addition to his beloved wife of 53 years, Dr. Walsh is survived by his children: Cybil (Brian) Powers of Rye, Anne (Stephen) Lake of Cheltenham, England, John (Amy) Walsh, of Wallingford, Conn., and Luke Walsh of Rye; eight grandchildren; and a sister, Geraldine McFarland. His sister, Patricia Peters, died recently. He was predeceased by his brother William Walsh.
A memorial mass will be celebrated at Church of the Resurrection on Saturday, June 3, at 10 a.m. Donations may be made to Murray-Weigel Hall, an infirmary and retirement home for Jesuit priests: Murray-Weigel Hall (attn. Fr. Dan Fitzpatrick), Fordham University, 515 E. Fordham Road, Bronx, NY 10458.
