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Thomas J. Walsh Jr.

In loving memory of Thomas J. Walsh Jr., a proud Marine Corps officer, a graduate of Providence College, passionate tennis fan and player, and devoted father and friend who was always ready with a laugh, died May 2, 2023, in Clinton, with his wife, Susan Melchior, by his side. He was 92. Tom was born in Hartford, to Anna Louise (Doran) Walsh and Thomas J. Walsh, on Jan. 27, 1931. He was the youngest sibling to his sister, Elizabeth (Bette) Egan, and his brother, Robert T. Walsh, both of whom predeceased Tom. His father was the owner of Walsh’s Drugstore in Hartford’s Frog Hollow neighborhood for many years until the family moved to Sharon in 1950, and his father opened the first-ever drugstore in that town. His father’s drug stores gave Tom his earliest job as a soda jerk.

After attending Bulkeley High School in Hartford, an institution with which Tom maintained a deep affinity, he enrolled in Providence College in 1949, developing a network of friends who remained by his side for decades. When they were seniors, 16 Providence College students, including Tom, took the battery of tests required to gain acceptance into the Marine Corps Officer Candidate Program — an experience that would remain a point of deep pride for Tom for the rest of his life.

Becoming a Marine lieutenant gave Tom a lasting appreciation for military service and respect for the sacrifice of those who serve or those who have been affected by loss. He worked tirelessly to bring recognition and appreciation to veterans, Gold Star families, and other families and communities who had experienced illness or tragedy.

Tom’s professional career was spent in the insurance industry, first as part of a family insurance business called Walsh Brothers Insurance, based in West Hartford, and later as an independent agent. A devoted tennis player all his life, he went on to a second career after his retirement as a widely loved tennis coach at the University of St. Joseph in West Hartford, where he mentored and inspired not only players but other athletic staff during a tenure that stretched from 1994 to 2014. He was also a foundational member of the Hartford Tennis Club, an institution where he made deep friendships, presided over annual Memorial Day ceremonies, and spent countless hours chatting on the club porch.

Tom died in the loving care of his wife, Sue, with whom he would have celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on May 15. Tom is also survived by his three children with his first wife, Linda (Mooney) Angelastro: Bari Walsh, of Arlington, Massachusetts, and her husband, David Weininger; Thomas J. (Tucker) Walsh III, of Boston, and his wife, Carina Bandle; and John (Clinton) Walsh, of Los Angeles, and his wife, Vanessa Freebairn-Smith, and by his grandson, Declan Walsh Weininger. He will be lovingly remembered by Sue’s two sons and their families: Michael Melchior and his wife, Lynne; Scott Melchior and his wife, Amy; grandchildren Lauren, Lydia, Mitchell, Emily, and Zack; and daughter-in-law Tracie Boe.

We extend special thanks and appreciation to Yale Home Care Hospice caregivers Chuck, Michael, Deana, and volunteer Lynne for their emotional support and physical care. They made this transition so much easier.

Tom deeply valued his large network of friends; he always had a kind heart and listening ear for any friend and acquaintance, and he was always ready to help. He will be deeply missed. Semper Fi.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at noon, Saturday, June 10, at First Church of Christ Clinton, 55 Church Road, Clinton, with a reception to follow at the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the First Church of Christ’s Steeple Fund (55 Church Road, Clinton, CT 06413; www.firstchurchclinton.org/giving) or Homes for Our Troops (www.hfotusa.org), an organization that builds specially adapted homes for injured veterans.