JOHN JOSEPH WALSH – Obituary

Jean “John” Joseph Walsh on Sunday, April 14, 2019.  Age 93.  Husband of 62 years to the late Antoinette “Toni” B. Walsh (nee Balchaitis).  Father of John J. (JoAnn) Walsh, James (Karen) Walsh, Barbara A. (Michael) Amoroso, and Linda (Thomas) Cundey.  Grandfather of 9 and great-grandfather of 4.  Brother of the late Rev. Paul Walsh and Andre Walsh.  Son of the late Richard and Simone (nee Vennat) Walsh.

Born in the Manhattan borough of New York City and raised in Willow Grove, NJ, John was a longtime resident of Glassboro.  After graduating from Sacred Heart High School, he proudly served in the US Army during World War II including 18 months in the China-Burma-India Theater earning a rank of TEC4 by the end of his tour of duty.  John attended Saint Joseph’s University where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and went on to later earn a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Glassboro State College.  He retired in 1989 after 15+ years as Superintendent of the Alloway Township School District but continued working in a number of interim superintendent positions in Salem and Cumberland Counties after retirement.

John was a member of the NJEA as well as AASA, The School Superintendents Association.  He was also a member of the VFW Post #679 and the Knights of Columbus Council 7032, both of Glassboro.  After retirement, John volunteered with the court system as an advocate for at-risk kids and also volunteered with the American Red Cross transporting blood and dialysis patients.

Outside of his professional and civic activities, John was very handy with repairs to his cars and boats and quite competent with construction projects around the house.  He enjoyed photography, an interest which was passed on to his children and grandchildren.  John and Toni loved boating and shared many adventures with their boats including numerous cruises from Maryland to Florida.  He proudly served as commodore in the Salem Yacht Club of which they were members.  Together they also enjoyed their many car trips around the country.  His family fondly recalled that he lived a very full life.

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, from 9:00 AM to 10:20 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Mary, Mother of Mercy Parish, 500 Greentree Road, Glassboro, NJ 08028.  Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM.  Interment at the Gloucester County Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Williamstown.  Arrangements under the direction of the BARCLAY FUNERAL HOME.  Sign the guest book or send condolences at BarclayFuneralHome.net.