Robert "Bob" Walsh

Ledyard - Robert "Bob" Walsh of Ledyard passed away peacefully at his home Dec. 16, 2025, at the age of 86.

Bob spent his professional career in the pharmaceutical industry, including 15 years at Pfizer Central Research in Groton. He retired in 2005, after decades of dedicated work.

Outside of his family, Bob's life revolved around fishing - particularly fly-fishing. A master craftsman, he built his own fly rods, including bamboo rods, gifting dozens to family and friends. Each rod required approximately 60 hours to build from scratch. Bob introduced many new anglers to the art of fly tying and rod building, generously sharing his passion, skill, and love of the sport with others.

After the passing of his first wife, Carole, in 1991, Bob married Mary McGrattan in 1995. Like Bob, she, too was widowed. Their combined family grew to include nine children, 20 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and several international exchange students. Bob and Mary celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in June of 2025.

Later in life, Bob co-authored a book with his son and granddaughter titled, "Follow the Dog Home."

Bob attended Georgetown University and Temple University and served in the United States Air Force.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Gales Ferry. A reception will follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Benedict's Preparatory School, 520 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Newark, NJ 07102, c/o Lauren Alampi.