John Joseph Walsh

John Joseph Walsh, age 85, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Needham, Massachusetts. He was born in Salem, Massachusetts, and loved telling everyone he met that he was born near the witch house—something he always found pretty special. John grew up in Charlestown, raised by his parents, James and Anna (Moriarty) Walsh. As a kid, he was known for sneaking into Fenway Park to catch Red Sox games, a fun memory he cherished.

He attended Christopher Columbus High School, graduating with the Class of 1958, and then went on to study at Northeastern Institute of Industrial Technology, where he learned all about machine repair. After earning his associate’s degree in 1960, John began working as an appliance repair technician. He quickly built up a thriving business, helping homeowners and local businesses keep their appliances running smoothly. John's career brought him to Boston Edison, where he spent many years in the substation maintenance department, based out of Mattapan and later Framingham.

On September 16, 1967, John married his wonderful wife, Nancy June Smith, at Saint Timothy's Church in Norwood. They settled in Walpole, Massachusetts, Nancy’s hometown, and together they built a life full of love and laughter. They had three children: Jennifer, Melissa, and John Jr., and from the start, John was a dedicated and playful dad. He loved making memories with his kids—like piling them into his El Camino for trips to McDonald's or supporting them in their passions, whether it was horseback riding lessons, basketball, and swimming for his daughters or being a scout leader for his son. His involvement in Boy Scout Troop 44 grew over the years, eventually becoming the committee chairman, organizing campouts, and camp adventures that his kids and many others enjoyed.

John's career with the Edison continued to evolve over the years and he was moved to the Dedham office to take on the role of electrical maintenance supervisor. He spent the majority of his time in the Walpole substations, often surprising his wife when he stopped by the house for lunch. His kind mannerisms and ability to work with others made him a wonderful manager, and he remained with the company until his retirement in 2000.

John and Nancy shared a wonderful fifty-nine years together. They looked forward to visiting their vacation home at Waterville Estates in Campton, New Hampshire, where they could take in all the sights and sounds of the nature that surrounded them. The third week in September was always spent by the ocean at their time share at Surfside in Falmouth, where John loved catching a Red Sox game at Pub 99 or Papa Gino's. Back at home in Walpole, John and Nancy were fixtures at the Saturday 4:00 Mass at Blessed Sacrament, arriving early to be sure they could get "their seats." Mass was always followed by a dinner date at Guido's Restaurant, enjoying time together. As devout bird watchers, John and Nancy set up their backyard to be a sanctuary for local wildlife, often spending a day just watching the birds fly in and out.

Beloved husband of Nancy June (Smith) Walsh.

Loving father of Jennifer E. Gerrish and her husband Phillip of Bellingham, Melissa A. Williams and her husband Noah of Miami, Florida, and John J. Walsh Jr. and his wife Rebecca of Norfolk.

Cherished grandfather of Leah Gerrish, Kara Gerrish, Evan Gerrish, Noah M. Williams, Nancy M. Williams, Evelyn M. Walsh, and John J. "Jack" Walsh III.

Brother of Margaret Johnson of Malden and the late James Walsh.

Also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended relatives and friends.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend John's visitation on Sunday, March 1st, 2026, from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A memorial service will follow at 1:30 pm and interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in John's name may be made to Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes at P.O. Box 5042, Hagerstown, MD, 21741 or by visiting https://www.breakthrought1d.org/