Obituary of Thomas M. Walsh, Sr.

Thomas Walsh, 89, passed away on Wednesday, December 25, 2024.

Born in Troy, New York, he was the son of the late Myles Walsh and Irene Hegarty. He was a graduate of Troy High School, enlisted with the United States Army National Guard, in 1953, assigned to the 105^th Medical Command, 27^th INF Division.  Tom was a graduate of Command and General Staff College and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He received the NYS Long and Faithful Service Award for 25 years of service, NYS Recruiting Medal; NYS Military Commendation Medal, NYS Aid to Civil Authority, NYS Humane Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal and 2 Meritorious Service Medals. After 28 years of dedicated service with the United States Army National Guard he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.

He was employed by the Watervliet Arsenal and retired as Chief of Manufacturing where he oversaw 1300 employees and was the National Vice President of the Federal Managers Association. Tom was also employed by Wells Communications and the Rensselaer County Jail (maintenance department). Tom served as the Brunswick Town Supervisor before being elected to the Rensselaer County Legislature in 1997. He served his constituents in Legislative District No. 3 (Towns of Brunswick, Schaghticoke and Pittstown), with pride for 5 terms from January 1998 thru December 2017. Tom was instrumental in the Medal of Honor Memorial called the “Hall of Heroes.”  He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 10990. 

Survivors including his beloved wife of 68 years Diane E. Walsh; his five children; Kathleen (Timothy) Allard, Thomas (Christine) Walsh, Michael (Jill) Walsh, Mary (David) Scott-Shulman and Jennifer (Kristian) Fitzpatrick; his grandchildren Jenét (Nicolino), Tiana (Justin), Mathew, Patrick (Ashley), Shannon, Melissa (Chris), Skyler, Ethan, Hunter (Jesse), Austin; his great grandchildren: Gianna, Gabriella, Cameron, McKinley, Weston, Juliette Ivy, Sirena Jade; his sister Arlene Dinova; his nieces and nephews; he was predeceased by his parents Myles Walsh and Irene Hegarty; his stepfather William Hegarty as well as his sister Annina.

Relatives and friends are invited to Calling Hours on Sunday, December 29, 2024 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Our Lady of Victory Church, 55 N. Lake Avenue, Troy, NY 12180 and to his Funeral Mass of Christian Burial there on Monday morning at 10:00 a.m.

Interment will follow with Military Honors in Eagle Mills Cemetery.

The Walsh family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the nurses, doctors and staff at Samaraitan Hospital as well to everyone at the Van Rensselaer Manor A-2, who cared for their father and also to all on A-1 who provide their loving and caring support to their mother, who was able to visit with her husband while they were both being cared for there.

Those desiring, may make memorial contributions to the Tunnel 2 Towers Foundation

2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 or on-line at http://www.t2t.org in memory of Thomas M. Walsh, Sr.

Funeral arrangments have been entrusted by the family to the John J. Sanvidge Funeral Home, Inc., 565 Fourth Ave, Troy, NY 12182.

Please feel free to view the Memorial Video or offer your on-line Condolences by using those tabs on this website.