Obituary of William T Walsh

William T. Walsh (Bill) was a rare man. He lived his life for others –caring for his beloved mother Mary until her death at age 95, and always watching out for and helping his siblings, nieces and nephews. He loved a good joke, was devout in his faith, and was thrilled when one of his nieces made his favorite meal or dessert. Bill was born to parents Mary (Dowd) and Daniel Walsh on December 23, 1933 in West Paterson, NJ. He attended St. Bonaventure grammar and high school and enlisted in the Air Force upon graduation. Once discharged, he enrolled in Seton Hall University and graduated with a B.S. in accounting, becoming the first in his family to earn a college degree. Bill retired as an accounting contract specialist from the US Government. He also loved sports, and as a young man was a standout athlete of all kinds– basketball, speed skating, and semi-professional baseball. While in the service, he traveled the world playing on the Air Force baseball team. He also loved to watch the NY Giants and the NJ Devils and was loyal to his teams. Bill was always there for his family – he was the primary caregiver for his mother for many years, a source of strength for his sisters and brothers, and a trusted resource for his nieces and nephews. He was there whether they needed help with a homework project or real life, dispensing kind, generous and practical advice and assistance. And when Bill was diagnosed with multiple myeloma 7 months ago, his family was there for him. He passed away on January 16, 2016 surrounded by their love. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Daniel and Earl and nephews Daniel and Jack. He is survived and will be greatly missed by sisters Dolores Cavanaugh and Joan Woods, nieces Colleen, Laureen, Kathleen, Diane and Mary, and nephews William, Kerry, Thomas, John, Kevin and Kenan. The family will receive guests at Santangelo Funeral Home, 635 McBride Ave., Woodland Park, NJ on Friday, January 22 from 4-8PM. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Bonaventure Church, 174 Ramsey St., Paterson, NJ at 10:15 on Saturday, January 23rd. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society www.donate.cancer.org