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WALTER WALSH Obituary
WALSH WALTER RUDOLPH WALSH Colonel, USMC, Retired Walter Rudolph Walsh was born May 4, 1907, in West Hoboken, New Jersey. He passed away on Tuesday, April 29, 2014. He was a former FBI agent, United States Marine Corps officer and Olympic competitor. He joined the FBI in 1934, serving during the gangster era of the 1930s and was involved in several high-profile cases, including the capture of Arthur "Doc" Barker and the demise of then public enemy number one, Al Brady, and his gang. Walter later served with the Marines in the Pacific theatre during World War II. After a brief return to the FBI, he continued his service in the Marine Corps. He was Commanding Officer, Weapons Training Battalion, Marksmanship Training Unit, Marine Corps Schools, in which capacity he was responsible for small arms training programs in the Marine Corps as well as the Marine Corps competitive shooting program. Walter served in this capacity until his retirement in 1969. As a world class, triple distinguished shooter, he won numerous tournaments locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. He participated in the 1948 Summer Olympics and served as coach of the U.S. Olympic Team until 2000. Col Walsh competed in and coached a number of Pan American Games and World Shooting Championship American teams. Walter received awards for his marksmanship into his 90s at the FBI's 100th birthday, it was noted that he was a year older than the organization itself. Col Walsh remained physically fit throughout his life. In March 2013, he was recognized as the longest living Olympic competitor, the oldest Marine and the oldest FBI agent. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Col Walter Walsh Criminal Justice Scholarship Fund. The scholarship evaluation will include a preference for military veterans. The fund is administered by the Community Foundation of Collier County (www.cfcollier.org). A visitation will be held on Sunday, May 4, 2014, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Murphy Funeral Home, 1102 W. Broad Street, Falls Church, VA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, May 5, 2014, 10 a.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church, 5300-10th Street, Arlington, VA. Interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. ONLINE CONDOLENCES AT: www.murphyfuneralhomes.comwww.murphyfuneralhomes.com
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Memories and Condolences
for WALTER WALSH
Peter Bracci
August 16, 2014
Read about the Colonel in my Shooting Times Magazine. He was indeed a Superman!! I never knew him but feel grateful knowing there was such a Man!
Rest In Peace and God Speed Sir
P. Bracci Delhi, NY
May 28, 2014
To the family of Col Walter R. Walsh USMC Ret.
I had the good fortune to serve with Col Walsh from 1963 until his retirement at MTU, WTBn, Quantico, VA. As I learned more about Col Walsh, it became very obvious his vast life experiences permitted him to demonstrate and practice a very personal brand of outstanding leadership.
I have many fond memories of our interactions during our competitions at various venues.
He will be missed by a great number of Marines.
I bid you farewell, my Colonel. Semper Fi,
David Luke, Capt. USMC Ret. (Lawrenceville, GA)
Frank Kapper Jr
May 12, 2014
Linda
All the members of the 5th Virginia Cavalry were sorry to hear of Col Walsh's passing. He was a truly great man who instead of saying a lot, let his actions speak for him. I had the honor and pleasure of shooting along side of him for a number of years before he decided to hang up skirmishing. He will be missed and remembered fondly by the 5th
May 7, 2014
Dear Kathy and family,
I thank God for the life of your father. Even though I did not have the honor of knowing him personally, he represents for me the generation that made this country great.
God bless his soul and God bless America!
With sympathy,
Jose G Alonso
Montgomery College
Roberta Simpson
May 5, 2014
I had the pleasure of helping Col. Walsh with his ID card at the quantico ID Card Facility. It was a special day for all of the staff. He took pictures with us and we laughed. A special individual. You will be truely missed! Sempi Fi
John Jackson
May 5, 2014
It was my great fortune to have known Col Walter Walsh. One quick anecdote. Prior to the Marine Corps Matches one year, Col Walsh came over to the house for dinner. After we began eating, I noticed that he seemed a little uncomfortable and I asked him if everything was ok, considering the long drive down from Northern Virginia to Camp Lejeune. He said, "Oh, it wasn't the drive, I took my time driving down". Reaching to the small of his back, he said, "But my pistol keeps digging into my back"...and he took it out and laid it on the table. "That's better". We all laughed and he proceeded to tell one of his stories, from his seemingly endless supply that resulted from his long and varied life. He will be sorely missed... Semper Fidelis!
John J. Jackson, Colonel, USMC, Retired
Jeff Lee
May 4, 2014
We have been neighbors since 1994 years and will always remember Col Walsh with fondness and respect. He was well known in the neighborhood and contributed to many with his knowledge and wisdom just as he did for his beloved Marine Corps. Col Walsh, more than once, volunteered to be interviewed by my daughter and other children for school history assignments. He was always glad to share his many experiences that spanned just short of 107 years. I learned many interesting things about the Corps during our neighborhood encounters. It was truly an honor to have known such a legendary Marine. Jeff, Linda and Skyler Lee (USMC)
Marty and Shirley Murphy
May 4, 2014
Shirley and I got to know and love Walter at the NMLRA shoots in Friendship Indiana. He was always a consummate gentleman and one of my heros. His friendship meant a lot to both of us. The family will be in our thoughts and prayers. All of our lives were better for his time here on earth.
Semper Fi, my brother.
Laurie
May 4, 2014
Lighting a candle for Uncle Walter on what would have been his 107th birthday.
Scott Wallace
May 4, 2014
Though I never met Col. Walsh, I had the good fortune to meet one of his great granddaughters. She acquainted me with his many and varied accomplishments. As the proud son of a Marine Corps. captain, I salute the memory of Col. Walsh, an extraordinary man and great American. Semper Fidelis and rest in peace, Colonel.
Jack Keery
May 4, 2014
Col.Walsh,Rest in peace, and until I see you again, may God hold you in the hollow of His hand.
Patricia Brake
May 3, 2014
Dear Linda and family, James and I were so saddened to hear of the Colonels death. He was a man of honor and dignity. I will always remember the kindness you and 'the Colonel' showed my son, Eric. After our wedding in 1983, you and your Dad were going to take him to the airport. His flight didn't leave til late so you took him to see the monuments in the District, the Smithsonian and then to the Colonels home. My son never forgot this kindness nor will I. It was a privilege to have known him. Patricia Brake
Capt. Don L. Smith & Family
May 3, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Semper Fi
May 3, 2014
" Col Walsh was a man that you couldn't help to respect and admire. He was my Commanding Officer during my years at Marksmanship Training Unit, Quantico, Va. He was not only a mentor to me but to all the team members that he commanded. I was particularly honored to be chosen to accompany Col Walsh on a private tour of the FBI Academy prior to being opened to the public. Simply put, he will be missed. CWO4 Robert Goller USMC Retired. Myrtle Beach, SC.
Carey Fabian USMC ret
May 3, 2014
Semper Fi
Chris McHugh
May 2, 2014
Dear Sandra & Jim & Family:
Sending sympathy and love to you and your extended families. What an amazing man who has left a spectacular legacy. Along with the tears, laughter and a lot of pride. I'm sure he'll get heaven organized in short order! -Chris & the McHugh Family
Gary Gregory MSgt USMC(ret)
May 2, 2014
Col. Walsh was my first C.O. after boot camp and Ordnance School. I was at Weapons Training Battalion when he retired and was proud to stand in the parade for this man. He set an example that we young Marines could look up to with pride. He is part of the reason I made the Marine Corps a career. Semper Fi Colonel!!
Sheila Hultgren
May 2, 2014
I was lucky enough to have Walter R Walsh for a Father in Law and Grandfather to my children, Heather and Sean Walsh. He is remembered with much fondness for all the kindness he showed over the years to me and my children. I am grateful for the example of steadfastness and honor he showed them. He was awonderful to them, and he will be missed.
May 2, 2014
As a child of the 1950's and living next door to the Walsh family on Lee Highway in Arlington, I have fond memories of playing with Linda and Walter; they were always filled with fun and mischief. My thoughts and prayers are with them at this time. Betty Cummings Hickey, Alexandria, VA
Jim Frigiola
May 2, 2014
Col Walsh was a wonderful man known to all in the marksmanship community, Marine Corps and the FBI. He was always looked up to and admired by all as a hero and a gentleman. We will dearly miss him at the club and on the range. Jim Frigiola, Northern VA.
John Aquilino
May 2, 2014
Col. Walsh was one of the finest, most gentle men I've had the honor to know. Great shot, great team mate, great mentor, great sense of humor and he spoke Italian.
Herb Guyer-Sharfenaker USMC
May 2, 2014
Herb Guyer-Sharfenaker USMC
May 2, 2014
Herb Guyer-Sharfenaker USMC
May 2, 2014
God Bless/RIP,to ALL who served in WWII. The USA would NOT be as it is today.Thank YOU for your service,Lt.Col.Walsh;also with the FBI. SEMPER FI.
Scott Chamberland
May 2, 2014
Semper Fi
Gene Hempstead
May 1, 2014
Col. Walsh was my hero. I served under him at Clarksville Base, Tenn. I spent the day with him at his home in July, 1993. We had a great time. He told me most of his stories. I truly admired the man !! I will miss him.
May 1, 2014
My wife and I always saw Lt. Col Walsh at the Metro 29 diner on the weekends. It wasn't until a couple of months ago that we got a chance to say hello and Semper Fi. He got the biggest smile on his face I will never forget. This night we had my 93 year old mother with us and brother in law. We were so amazed to hear the story of this wonderful person's life.
From the Arnold Family of Alexandria Va. Thank you for all the good that you did while serving our country in the many roles that you were involved in. Semper Fi Rest Easy
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