Thomas J. Walsh

Tom Walsh, Chestnut Hill lifer, died peacefully on February 21, 2026, surrounded by and in the arms of his family. He was 63 years old.

Tom was born in 1962 to Louise and Gerry Walsh and brought home to Ardleigh Street to live with the rest of the gang, his three sisters and a brother. Tom, a Down Syndrome child, would prove to be special in every way. Of course he won over the family quite easily, but early on he seemed to affect all who met him in a special way, and that continued to the very end with his caregivers.

Tom had a giving nature and his friendly, helpful genial personality made him a favorite of many. He worked many years for the various Community organizations, receiving awards, medals and citations. If you’ve been a regular on the Avenue the last fifty years, you surely know Tom.

He was a swimmer, biker, reader, traveler, adventurer—he was always up for almost anything. If it included eating and dancing, well all the better—that boy loved a party, and was the life of every one.

Tom loved his family first and foremost. Every niece and nephew, then the grandnieces and nephews, each had a best friend in Tom. Tom was fun and funny. He had the wonder, joy and acceptance of a child and he kept it for all of his sixty years. He made the world a better place. He will be forever missed, never forgotten.

Those three sisters and his brother continue to treasure Tom—Mary with Al, Lyn with John, Rene with Rich, and Jack.

Service at Our Mother of Consolation Church, 9 E. Chestnut Hill Ave., Saturday, February 28th, Visitation 9-10:30, Funeral Mass 10:30. Interment will be private.

Memorial contributions in Tom’s name may be made to:

Kencrest Philanthropy

960 Harvest Drive, Suite 100

Blue Bell, PA 19422 or

Special Olympics via their online form.