Michael J. Walsh

Michael J. Walsh, Jr., of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, formerly of Massachusetts and Dallas, Texas, passed away on September 24, 2019 at the Edgewater Halifax Hospice facility. He was 77 years old.

Michael was born in Boston to the late Michael “Johnny” and Marie (Allen) Walsh. He was the beloved husband of Polly Tompsett Walsh for 36 years. The fourth of seven children, he is survived by his three sisters, Mary Jane Davis of Plymouth, MA, Marguerite “Peggy” Sacramona of Kingston, MA and Cheryl Walsh of Quincy, MA. He was predeceased by his three brothers, Peter and his wife Peggy, Robert and David. There are also many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews from both sides of the family.  He also leaves three children, Michael J. Walsh, III and his wife Sheila, Stephen and his wife Ruthann and daughter Tracy Cazer and her husband Chris.  Additionally, all their children and grandchildren.

Michael graduated from Boston Evening High School, worked at the U.S. Post Office and the YMCA in Boston and as a machinist until becoming a proud member of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Works Local Union 7 in Boston. He worked out of Local 7 for many years, as well as teaching at the Apprentice School before accepting a position at the MBTA as a union iron worker.  Michael was an avid reader, loved working on his homes doing repairs, remodeling and keeping up with the yard. He was a fierce competitor and loved playing cards and games and just hanging out with family and friends. He was always up for an adventure, from digging for diamonds at a state park in Arkansas to snorkeling in Curacao to joining new friends at a Cajun crab boil on the Gulf Coast of Louisiana. He was also a friend of Bill Wilson for 37 years.

Along with his wife Polly, Michael bred and showed beagles under the Little Dee Kennel name for over 25 years. They exhibited around the country, including at Westminster Kennel Club in New York City, being awarded championships on many dogs and making good friends along the way. He was a member of the Hockamock and the Framingham District Kennel Clubs.  He also enjoyed traveling including visiting several Caribbean islands, South America and RVing around the United States.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visiting hours on Friday October 11, from 4-8 PM in the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock St., QUINCY. A memorial service will be celebrated on Saturday October 12, at 11 AM in Trinity Episcopal Church, 91 Main St. Bridgewater.