John L. "Jack" Walsh

John L. Walsh "Jack", age 87, of Phila on January 14, 2020. Beloved husband of Dolores (nee Hart), Loving father of John (Suzanne), Thomas (Lillian) and Robert (Maureen), brother of Patricia Brooks and Richard Walsh (Carol), Pop-Pop of Jillian, Juliann, Connor, RP, Sean, John IV and Matthew, brother in law of Alexander McCloskey and George Hart (Lynne). Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Jack was preceded in death by his brother Lawrence, sister Joan Murray and her husband Jack, Brother in law Patrick Brooks, and sister in law MaryAnn McCloskey. Jack served bravely in the U.S. Army and was a Philadelphia Police Officer for 30 years. Jack was born on May 18th, 1932 to Dorothy and John. He grew up with his sisters Patsy and Joanie and his brother Ricky on Sommers Road in Philadelphia. The family were proud members of St. Athanasius or St. A's Parish as it was known by most. Jack spoke often of the parish and thoroughly enjoyed playing on the parish baseball team. Jack enlisted in the Army at the age of 17. He fought in the Korean War and received a purple heart. In the service he was a Rifleman and Platoon Sgt. After returning home in 1953 Jack received his high school diploma from Temple University High School, while driving for Pepsi Cola. Jack had a strong desire to continue a life of service and joined the Philadelphia Police department in 1958. On the job he walked "the Beat", worked JAD (Juvenile Aide Division), and finished up his career as a dispatcher in the Radio Room. As a dispatcher Jack was a master at getting fellow officers and other first responders to their destination quickly and efficiently, as well as helping civilians through difficult situations. Jack retired from the Philadelphia Police Department on September 13, 1988. He was very respected by others he served with and had made many friends throughout his 30 years as dedicated officer. Jack married the girl of his dreams, Dolores, on October 22nd, 1960. They purchased a house in Parkwood Manor where they lived until 2017. They were original members of St. Anselm parish and remained active during their time in Parkwood. Jack was a member of the choir, Eucharistic minister and worked annually at the church carnival. Jack and Dolores were married for over 59 years and had three sons. Jack was deeply proud of John, Tom, and Bob. He taught his boys the importance of family and hard work. Their sons all married and went on to have 7 grandchildren. Jack really enjoyed the grandchildren behaving like a kid himself! He loved spending time with them at the shore, going to amusement parks or just having a family meal together. Jack was a dedicated Eagles fan, had season tickets for many years and eventually got to see his team win a Super bowl. He was also a Temple football fan and a member of the Temple Football chain gang. As much as he enjoyed walking the sidelines at Temple games he loved that fact that he was getting to spend time with his brother Rick and brother-in-law Pat also members of the chain gang. Their wives, Dolores, Patsy, Carol would attend the games to watch their men run the sideline and then go out to grab a bite to eat and have a drink. Jack's hobbies included reading, playing cards with friends and other retired members of the FOP, gardening, and collecting HO trains. Each Christmas he would set up a large platform with multiple train layouts that included all the accessories in a beautiful display. Jack's parents retired down the shore, in Longport where he vacationed every year. The home was gathering point for all the family. A favorite spot of his to dine at the shore was Smitty's Clam Bar. After the Longport house was sold Aunt Patsy, Uncle Pat, Dolores and Jack would take trips to the shore to walk the boards and grab dinner at Smitty's. Relatives and friends are invited to share in Jack's Life Celebration Wednesday, January 22, 2020, starting 9:30 Am followed by his funeral mass 11:00 AM at the church of St. Anselm, 12670 Dunks Ferry Rd., Phila, PA 19154. Interment Washington Crossing National Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Jack's memory for his wife Dolores to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 would be appreciated. Family service by John F. Givnish of Academy Rd. To share your fondest memories Jack visit www.lifecelebration.com.?1-877-GIVNISH