Jack Walsh

With hearts full of love and gratitude, the family of Jack Walsh announces his peaceful passing. Born on June 20, 1939, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, he was the beloved son of Frank and Sara (Gildea) Walsh.

Jack Walsh grew up in a close-knit family with his brothers Frank and Bill (both now deceased), and his sister Pat Walsh Fennell of Kingston, PA. He graduated from Kingston High School in 1957 and earned his degree from King's College in 1961. After a brief stint at Georgetown Law and being a bailiff to a DC judge, he changed directions to enter Holy Cross Seminary in preparation for his ordination as a Holy Cross priest. In the process he received an MA at the University of Notre Dame. He later took a sabbatical at the JSTB Institute of Spirituality and Worship in Berkeley, California.

Ordained to the priesthood in 1969, his and mission was to animate people's faith which he did as part of a Mission group and as a parish priest in Saco, Maine. After transitioning from the priesthood in 1981, he brought his full-hearted spirit to a wide range of endeavors-taking clown and speech classes, working as a Mall Santa and stadium guard for 49ers games. In everything he did, he brought warmth, joy, and a big dose of humor.

Professionally, he continued to serve others through nonprofit leadership. As Alameda County Director for the March of Dimes, he championed infant health initiatives. He then served as Executive Director of the Oakland SPCA, advocating for animals with deep compassion. Later, as Executive Director of The Danny Foundation, he became a national voice for child safety-serving on the ASTM board and representing the U.S. at international safety conferences in Belgium and Beijing through the IPHSCO organization.

He brought that same exuberant, imaginative spirit to his personal life. He adored Snoopy, often seeing in the beloved beagle a reflection of his own playful and loyal nature. He was a devoted collector of Lilliput Lane houses. Around the holidays, he took great joy in setting up an elaborate Christmas railroad.

A man of many unexpected joys, he was also an avid QVC patron, always on the hunt for a clever gadget or the "next best thing." He enjoyed juicing, often concocting new blends in the kitchen with the excitement of a scientist and the flair of a TV chef.

One of his most cherished family rituals was Saturday morning pancake-making, where he'd invite his sons and grandchildren into a world of imagination, each week "cooking" with pretend chefs from Sweden or Borneo. The kitchen became a stage for fun, laughter, and love-a tradition that made Saturday mornings magical.

His hobbies were as unique and full of personality as he was. He loved golf, gardening, and the fine art of dumpster diving, often followed by vacuum cleaner repair-a hobby that puzzled many but delighted him deeply. He had a gift for finding treasure where others saw trash, whether it was an old Hoover or a moment of laughter.

Jack will be fondly remembered as the avuncular patriarch of the Walsh clan and as a devoted friend to many. He was a devoted husband to Michele Idiart Walsh and a loving father to Michael (Nadia) of Indio, CA, and Patrick (Jaclyn) of Bear, DE. He was affectionately known as "Grandad" to his cherished grandchildren: Tatiana, Liliana, Viviana, Connor, and Dylan.

Known for his infectious laugh, quick wit, and unshakable optimism, Jack Walsh didn't just tell jokes-he lived joyfully. Whether dressed as Santa Claus, watching QVC, flipping pancakes with a French accent, or offering a glass of apple-carrot juice with a grin, he reminded everyone around him not to take life too seriously and to always look for the wonder in it.

He lived a life full of meaning, mischief, love, and laughter-and the world was better because he was in it.

An Irish Wake will take place August 15, 2025 from 6 - 10 pm at his home 181 Best Ave., San Leandro, CA. A funeral mass will take place August 16, 2025 at 12 pm at St. Joachim Church, 21250 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward, CA.

A second Funeral Mass will be celebrated August 23, 2025 at King's College at 29 W. North Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA at 10 am. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, 1594 S. Main Street, Hanover Township, PA. In lieu of flowers to honor Jack's memory, donation to Congregation of Holy Cross via: United States Province of Priests and Brothers, Office of Development, 500 Washington Street, North Easton, MA 02356-1299 or online at donate.holycrossusa.org. Or to any group that serves the poor.

May Jack rest in peace and rise in joy.