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Thomas Walsh Obituary

Captain Thomas Francis Walsh, U.S. Navy, passed away of malignant melanoma on March 7, 2017 in Tampa, Florida at the age of 51 surrounded by his family. He will be remembered for his wit, his passion, and his unwavering commitment to excellence in all that he did. Born in Chicago, Tom served twenty-nine years of honorable and dedicated Active Duty and Reserve service as a U.S. Navy SEAL Officer serving on SEAL teams based on both the East Coast (Little Creek) and West Coast (Coronado). His service to our Nation includes deployments to Operation Desert Storm, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Djibouti, Fallujah, Mongolia, Yemen, the Philippines, and other regions of conflict, making a tremendous impact on all those who served with him. His medals and commendations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Joint Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Marine-Corps Commendation medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and numerous unit and campaign awards. During his time as a Reservist, Tom obtained an MBA from University of Chicago Booth School of Business and worked on M&A, equity, and credit transactions for over a decade, most recently with Corporate Development and Strategy at Boeing and as a Vice President of Aerospace, Defense & Government Services at SunTrust. He is survived by his wife, Jane E. Walsh (Eberhart), and his children Adam, Christopher, Grace, Joseph, and Nora; his parents, Robert and Sharon Walsh; his sister, Kelly A. Walsh (Ned Leiby), and brother, Robert T. Walsh; seven nieces and nephews; as well as many friends, colleagues, and his military family who will sorely miss their brother, Tom. A mass and burial with full military honors will take place at Arlington National Cemetery in early April. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the following charities: Special Operations Warrior Foundation, Navy SEAL Foundation, Task Force Dagger Foundation, and Homes Fit For Heroes.

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Published by Chicago Tribune from Mar. 14 to Mar. 19, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Walsh

17 Entries

Dean Chang

October 14, 2020

Godspeed, Tom!

Ali

October 13, 2020

❤

Dean Chang

August 29, 2017

Tom,

Who knew that when we first met in Djibouti in 2003, our paths would criss-cross each other for the next 14 years? Our PDSS to Eritrea, to include the rental of an Eritrean military Soviet-made chopper going up and down the Red Sea and us being subsequently PNG'd due to the stowaway, would be the foundation of our war stories for years to come. While you were next door to me in Iraq in 2007, we weren't able to catch up due to our separate mission requirements, but what a pleasant surprise when you walked into the embassy in Manila and I saw your big, wide grin as you approached me right before you were to assume the deputy commander role for the task force in Mindanao in 2011. Daphne and I loved having you over to our place, whether it was in Manila or in Washington. We each were very heart broken when you told us of your health issues in January 2017. You were the quintessential scholar, statesman and patriot; you were the role model for many who admired your accomplishments. I knew you always had my six and I will forever miss you as a true friendYou went too soon, Tom, but rest in eternal peace. Dean CHANG, Colonel (retired), US Army

Jim Phillips

August 13, 2017

Tom was my high school and college friend. He was an awesome guy then and grew to be even a more awesome person. Thank you for your friendship and service to our country. My condolences to the entire Walsh and extended families.

Jim Phillips

Dave Cole

July 31, 2017

I relieved Tom after his one year voluntary overseas tour as the Deputy for Joint Special Operations Task Force Philippines (JSOTF-P) in 2012, a very challenging job filled by rotating NSW Reserve officers. Tom was one of the hardest working, most dedicated, incredibly bright, intrepid, and committed NSW officers this country has ever been blessed with. Fiercely loyal to the "Teams," Tom always took care of his people, focused on mission accomplishment and worked with other organizations on some of this country's most secretive and delicate counter-terrorism efforts to protect his country and shield others from the evil villains of this world. Tom's quick wit, humor, and good nature will be truly missed. So sorry to hear of his passing - a great loss to the NSW community. Condolences to his family and wife. To his children - your father was a super hero and a good man. Fair winds and following seas Tom. God Bless. Dave Cole, CAPT, USNR (ret)

Leanne Reed

May 6, 2017

Tom was my patient, he had a deep passion for his country and family. In the short time I knew him he was fun loving and very oassointe. Such a wonderful soul! I wish I had met him sooner. God bless! Rest on peace, Tom.

Sergio San Pedro

April 26, 2017

I had the honor of being Tom's Swim Buddy in BUD/S and I know he will be deeply missed by his close friends and family. I hadn't seen Tom in over 23 years and I was deeply saddened to hear that he lost his battle with cancer. He will always be remembered as a tenacious man with good sense of humor.

Russ Owen

April 3, 2017

America lost a true selfless man and a hero this day. I'm so saddened by this loss. As others have said Tom was very passionate and had a great wit as well as sense of humor. He was a guy's guy but most of all a true loyal friend. May God bless you and give you strength through this difficult time.

Nick Curry

April 1, 2017

Tom was an energetic, passionate and inclusive leader. He deeply cared about our unit and the morale of all of us. He was a terrific story teller and overall good man and dedicated father. All of the Fightin' VTU will miss you, sir.

A C

March 27, 2017

Capt. Tom Walsh (SEAL) was one of the nicest, down to earth, "guy's guy" w/a sharp wit you could meet. He made it easy to like him, easy to get along with so consequently it's hard to say goodbye... you are truly missed.

Joe Massaquoi

March 18, 2017

I remain deeply saddened by the loss of Tom Walsh. I miss his wry smile and dry wit, his selfless spirit in the service of our nation, and his loyal friendship over the past 15 years.

To Jane and the family, my deepest condolences. You were the best part of Tom. God always has a plan and may He continue to give you strength during these difficult days.

AZ1 USN

March 17, 2017

Shipmate: Rest in Peace......

Fair Winds and Following Seas

Sarah Meyers

March 16, 2017

Dear Jane & children, Bob, Sharon, Kelly and Robert,

So terribly sorry to hear of Tom's passing- he was loved by many.

We have always been so proud of his many accomplishments. It's an honor to call him family.

May God bless and keep you all.

Love,
Sarah (Meyers) & Paul Sobczak

Jocelyn Crawford

March 16, 2017

Tommy had the biggest heart, and a smile that would light up a room. I am so proud to call him my cousin. Heaven gained a true angel. Love and prayers to all the Walsh family.

Clay Bailey

March 16, 2017

I commend Tom Walsh for his service as a warrior and leader in our military. My condolences and prayers go out to his family. I am sorry for your loss. Lt Gen (retired) Clay Bailey

Joyce Bailey

March 16, 2017

I never met Tom. But I know of him from my daughter, Carrie. He was a fine man in all aspects of his live. I appreciate his service to his country. My condolences and prayers are with the family. May God grant you peace. Joyce Bailey

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