John Walsh

12/31/1934 - 10/18/2025

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of John Matthew Walsh of Alexandria, VA. He is survived by his loving wife, Anne Walsh, his beloved children Michael, Kevin, Tracy and Brian, and his sister Eileen Brengman. John is predeceased by his first wife, Mary Ann Dennery Walsh, his parents Kathleen (Hughes) Walsh and Thomas Walsh, as well as his brothers Martin and Patrick.
John was the proud son of Irish immigrants from County Cork. Born and raised in the Bronx, John had happy memories of his childhood, making friendships that lasted a lifetime.
Known for his quick wit, his endless trove of jokes and an insatiable love of books, John was a lifelong learner whose curiosity and intellect enriched every conversation.
After graduating from St. Ann's Academy in Manhattan, John enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, a decision he often described "as the making of me." Stationed in Germany and France, John maintained flight simulators and proudly presented to legendary pilot Chuck Yeager. His time in Europe left John with a fondness for adventure, travel ... and Stella Artois.
Upon returning home, John earned a degree in electrical engineering from City College of New York. While finishing school and before taking a job as an engineer at Singer-Link in Binghamton, NY, John married Mary Ann Dennery. Together they built a life centered on love, humor and family as they raised four children.
John's devotion to his family defined his life. He coached youth basketball, soccer, and basketball teams, cheered at countless swim meets and hockey games, yet always made time for bedtime stories, math help and driving lessons. A faithful parishioner, John served his church as a lector, CCD teacher, CYO coach and volunteer.
Still with Singer-Link as the lead designer of training simulators for the U.S Army, John and his family moved to Maryland. He then shifted careers, attending George Washington University Law School at night while still working full time.
John went on to a distinguished 34-year career as an attorney at the Federal Aviation Administration. His knowledge of FAA history, coupled with his critical thinking and legal writing skill, made John highly sought after by chief counsels and FAA administrators.
John played a pivotal role in shaping key legal and policy decisions at the FAA. He helped oversee the certification of the McDonnell Douglas MD-80 aircraft to operate with a two-pilot crew, an innovation that transformed commercial aviation standards worldwide. He collaborated with the Justice Department to define agency records under the Freedom of Information Act, establishing precedents that continue to guide FAA policy. John worked with OSHA to clarify safety oversight responsibilities for flight attendants, resulting in a legal interpretation that remains the government standard today. He founded and led the FAA's Ethics Office, which under his direction became – and remains – the largest ethics program within the Transportation Department, serving more than 45,000 employees.
John and Anne married in 2002. They embarked on a happy adventure filled with laughter and travel including dog-sledding in Norway, fly-fishing in New Zealand and riding camels in Morocco. Their large blended family brought John great happiness.
John is survived by his wife, Anne Walsh, and by his children Michael (Joellyn), Kevin (Kitty), Tracy Walsh Craemer and Brian (Joie), his sister Eileen Brengman (Andy), as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his stepchildren Maureen McCarty (Patrick), Deborah McNerney (Michael), Monica Bresnahan, John Bresnahan, Andrew Bresnahan (Tricia) and Megan Bradley (Stephen). He was predeceased by his stepdaughter, Kathleen Bresnahan.
John was a proud grandfather to Megan, Tommy, and Sean Walsh, Alexa Craemer Axline (Brandon), Erica and Kelly Craemer, John and Colleen Walsh, Keith and Asher Walsh, Siobhan Dempsey (Kevin), Timothy McCarty (Ciara), Charlie DePietro (Sam Crosby), Molly Frickel (Conor), Madeline Vale-Ghering (Adam), Patrick McCarty (Melanie Nash), Jack McCarty, Colin and Ryan Bresnahan, and Jack and Ella Bradley.
John delighted in his great-grandchildren Mia Shelton, Collins and Lennon Axline, Jayce Nolan, Sophie and Callan Dempsey, Charlotte McCarty, Mac and Winnie Frickel, and Naomi Ghering. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Emelia Acquah, Philip Amankwaa, Solomon Mensah, James Ayako and the staff at Paul Spring for their loving care of John.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John's memory may be made to the Washington School for Girls in Washington, DC, the Alzheimer's Association or the charity of your choice.
A wake will be held on Sunday, October 26, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Demaine Funeral Home, 520 S. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314. The funeral mass celebrating John's life will be held on Monday, October 27, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 8710 Mount Vernon Highway, Alexandria, VA 22309.