Rob Walsh, a New York-born FBI agent who led multiple youth sports teams to league championships, died on December 17th. He was 77 years old.
He died in Vero Beach, Florida, at the end of a day where he did what he loved -- playing golf, swimming laps, and reading by the pool. Although he had Parkinson's disease, it appeared that he died of a heart attack.
Mr. Walsh spent thirty years with the FBI and was based in New York, NY, Grand Rapids, MI, and FBI headquarters in Washington, DC. While he wasn't one for telling stories about his undercover work while based in New York City, he frequently regaled guests with the story about the one time he took his wife, Joan, on a dual purpose date/mission. Not knowing that Mr. Walsh had dual purposes, Ms. Walsh proceeded to point out the individuals he was monitoring. After the birth of his first son, Kevin, Mr. Walsh transitioned from undercover work to Congressional affairs. In 1982, he moved to Washington, D.C. With the FBI, he was detailed to the U.S. House Committee for Appropriations to investigate potential projects. From the mid-1980s until 2000, he served as a liaison to Congress.
In addition to his work as an FBI agent, Mr. Walsh was an avid coach. He taught both of his sons, Kevin and Robby, how to swim and was a vocal supporter of Kenwood Country Club's swim team. He also helped contribute to a middle school basketball dynasty at Little Flower Parish, where he coached his son Robby's basketball team. In later years, Mr. Walsh stayed involved as a fan of youth sports and could be seen frequently attending Gonzaga College High School basketball games.
Mr. Walsh was passionate about sports in general and was fortunate to have seen his Hoyas, Jets, and Nationals all win championships. Most recently, he celebrated Georgetown's Men's Basketball Team's 2021 Big East Tournament victory.
Mr. Walsh graduated from Georgetown University in 1966, Georgetown University Law Center in 1969, and the FBI Academy in 1970. He is survived by his wife, Joan, whom he married in 1975, his sons Kevin and Robby, and his granddaughter Eleanor.
