Father Thomas Walsh

Columban Father Thomas Walsh, 88, died on Wednesday morning, March 17, 2021, at his residence. Father Walsh was born on Jan. 12, 1933, the son of the late Thomas Michael and Mary (O’Connor) Walsh in Watertown, M.A. He attended parish schools and Matignon High School in North Cambridge, M.A. before beginning his studies at the Columban Father’s Seminary in Milton, M.A. in Sept. 1948.

He was ordained on Dec. 21, 1957 at St. Columban’s Major Seminary Chapel by Bishop Jeremiah F. Minihan, Auxiliary bishop of Boston. He was appointed to Korea in the spring of 1958 and in 1959 he was assigned to the Diocese of Chunchon and sent to Hoengsong parish. At the end of 1960 he returned to the U.S. in ill health.

After appointments in the U.S. Region in Silver Creek, Brooklyn, Derby, N.Y., Milton, M.A. and the Virgin Islands, Father Walsh received permission to join the U.S. Army Chaplains corps. Over the next 20 years he served the troops in places as diverse as Arizona, Alaska, Germany, Hawaii, New Jersey and Korea.

Having completed time with the forces, he attended the Pacific Mission Institute course at Turramurra, Australia in 1991, after which he began a new mission assignment in Chile where he remained until retirement in 2004.

He has been a resident of St. Columban’s on the Lake for 16 years.

Father Walsh is survived by his sister Joan Bunker, her children David Bunker and Catherine Roche, along with nieces and nephews, many cousins in America and Ireland including Maureen Tighe. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Marie Forristall and brother Father John Walsh.

The Columban Fathers and the community at St. Columban’s on the Lake will miss Father Walsh and know he will be enjoying the fullness of God’s presence.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Columban’s on the Lake followed by burial at the cemetery on the grounds.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Columban Father’s, 1902 Calhoun St., St. Columbans, N.E. 68056.

Arrangements are by the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home, Dunkirk, N.Y. 14048.