Dr. John E. Walsh

Dr. John E. Walsh, 95, a native of Scranton, died Friday after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease in Guthrie Towanda Hospital Skilled Nursing & Rehab. His beloved wife of 65 years is the former Mae E. Farrell.

Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late John and Elizabeth Wren Walsh. He formerly resided in Clarks Green. He was educated in Scranton public schools and graduated magna cum laude from the University of Scranton. He received his MA degree in history from Lehigh University and his Ph.D. from Teachers College, Columbia University. In addition, he was awarded an honorary LL.D. from the University of Scranton.

John was a veteran of World War II serving in the Asiatic/Pacific Theatre. A United States Army medic, he served in the first MASH Unit and received a battle star for Okinawa. Also, he was a member of the Army of Occupation in Japan. He was a former member of American Legion Post 966.

Dr. Walsh retired as president and general manager of WVIA-TV/FM, the public broadcasting station of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Prior to that, he was president of ICS and taught in the public schools of Scranton and White Plains, N.Y. He also taught at the University of Scranton and Marywood University where he was director of adult and continuing education (PACE).

Dr. Walsh was very active in community affairs serving as the first educator to be president of the Scranton Chamber of Commerce. He was a longtime chairman of the Economic Development Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania and the Private Industry Council of Lackawanna County. John served as chairman of the first Parish Council at the Church of St. Gregory, Clarks Green, where he also was a lector and Eucharistic minister. He was a member of the first Lackawanna County Library Board and served as secretary of the Scranton Redevelopment Authority. Dr. Walsh was also president of the Alumni Society of the University of Scranton where he also served as chairman of the Board of Regents. Board memberships included the United Way of Catholic Social Services, Pro Bono Inc. and St. Francis Kitchen.

While at ICS, Dr. Walsh pioneered many innovations in independent studies. He was the author of many studies in non-traditional education and instructional technology.

In addition to his beloved wife, Mae, Dr. Walsh is survived by two daughters; Karyn Paulish and husband, Dr. John, Towanda; and Kristen Morahan and husband, Kelly, Meshoppen; a sister, Judy Duke and husband, Paul, Charleston, S.C.; and four grandchildren, Sean Morahan and partner, Katie Weaver; Caitlin Ferrence and husband, Elliott; Marissa Fox and husband, Joseph; and Megan Paulish; three great-grandchildren, Jaxson, Karson and Hudson, of whom he was so proud and was an active and enthusiastic participant in their many sports and activities. His grandchildren reciprocated his loyalty and loved and adored their beloved grandfather.

Due to COVID-19, the funeral will be private and held at the convenience of the family. A celebration of life will be held in the future. Memorial contributions may be made to WVIA-TV, Channel 44 at wvia.org. To leave an online condolence, visit www.augusthaasfuneralhome.com.