PORTLAND — John Joseph “Wally” Walsh, 87, of Portland died Dec. 16 at his residence with his loving family by his side.
He was born Aug. 24, 1921 in the Bayside area of Portland, a son of Peter Joseph and Norah (Flaherty) Walsh.
He graduated from Portland High School in 1939.
Following high school, he was drafted into the army and served in Europe during World War II in the 83rd Infantry Division. He was a highly decorated veteran.
He worked for John J. Nissen Company for 42 years as a foreman, retiring in February 1984.
He married the love of his life, Petronilla DiPietrantonio, on June 21, 1948.
He was a former member of the Italian Heritage Center. He was an avid golfer, sparking a love of the game while caddying at the Portland Country Club as a young boy. He was very proud of his hole in one at Riverside South on April 11, 1991.
He was a communicant of St. Pius X Church.
He was predeceased by his son, John J. Walsh, in 1969 and siblings, Mary T. Walsh, Peter Joseph Walsh Jr., Martin Walsh, and Coleman P. Walsh.
He is survived by his beloved wife Petronilla of 60 years of Portland; two daughters, Norah J. Vitaliano and her husband Joseph of New Jersey, Cynthia A. Loring and husband Michael of Portland; two grandchildren whom he adored, Joshua Michael Loring and Kristina Walsh Loring, both of Portland; a sister, Agnes Townsend and her husband Gerald of Saco; two brothers, Francis Walsh and his wife Lena of Portland, William A. Walsh of Portland; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; many nieces and nephews whom he was very close with.
Memorial services were held last week.
Arrangements are by Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland.
Walsh