Obituary of Tom Walsh

Thomas G. "Tom" Walsh of Chatham, NJ passed away peacefully at Overlook Medical Center on April 7, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by the tremendous love and support of his wife and his sons, his clergy and close family as he passed onto eternal life. 

Tom was born in Brooklyn, NY to the late Joseph and Mary Walsh.  He was a graduate of Bishop Ford Central Catholic High School, earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from New York University and Master’s Degrees in Special Education and then Educational Administration at the City University of New York.

Tom met his beloved wife Antoinette in Brooklyn, NY on a blind date set up by a mutual friend in 1993.  They quickly realized that they had much in common including a strong devotion to their Catholic faith and close-knit families.  They were married at Regis Pacis Votive Shrine in Brooklyn, NY on December 8, 1996 and beautifully blended their Irish and Italian heritages and cultures.  Tom quickly got used to enjoying antipasto and lasagna (along with turkey!) on Thanksgiving and celebrating the Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve. Tom achieved his greatest happiness in life when he became a Dad – he and Antoinette lovingly referred to their sons as their ‘best boys and greatest joys’.

Tom enjoyed a long and fulfilling career in Special Education in New York City - first as a teacher and then as an Administrator in both private and public schools.  During his career, he helped numerous students realize their potential by providing them with needed support and clinical services.  Tom worked with students who had a variety of developmental delays and physical disabilities.  He was a strong advocate for the many student populations he served. 

Scouting was very important to Tom, both in his youth and as an adult.  Tom earned the rank of Eagle Scout growing up in Brooklyn and loved trips to the suburbs to attend summer camp and camping.  He volunteered his time with Boy Scout Troop 28 in Chatham, NJ where his sons belong.  He enjoyed supervising the Troop on their annual week-long trip to summer camp and going on many campouts.  Tom valued the important life skills he learned in Scouting and believed that Scouting along with his Catholic faith gave him a strong foundation for his life which he instilled in his sons. 

Tom was a member of St. Vincent Martyr Church in Madison. He had deep devotion to St. Joseph and to St. Theresa.  Tom lived his Catholic faith each day – he was a truly gentle soul who had a kind word for everyone and was profoundly appreciative of the care and compassion shown to him.  Tom truly felt the outpouring of prayers from his family and community and it was his strong faith that helped him through his illness.

Tom was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Mary Walsh.  He is survived by his beloved wife of more than 24 years, Antoinette Walsh (nee Buono); his cherished children, Liam Rudolf Walsh and Thomas Joseph Walsh; his brothers Jack Walsh and Joe Walsh; his sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws Mary and Lou Zingone, Barbara and Matt Stanton, Doreen and Marc Peritore and Paul Konecny.  Tom was also blessed with many treasured nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. 

Tom was most grateful for the love and extraordinary support shown to him and to his children by his brother Jack, Antoinette’s family and many dear friends in the St. Vincent Martyr and Chatham communities.  As Tom fought his aggressive cancer with Antoinette by his side, he always knew that Liam and Thomas were cared for and cared about by these family members and by many dear friends.  Throughout his illness, Tom received blessings, prayers and visits by Fr. George, Fr. Chris and Fr. Jader of St. Vincent Martyr Church, Fr. Andrew Dutko of Corpus Christi Church and a Papal cross he cherished that was given to him by Fr. Jim Sichko.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a visitation on Monday, April 12, 2021 from 4-8PM held at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00AM on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at St. Vincent Martyr Church, Madison. For those that wish, you may attend the Funeral Liturgy virtually via livestream by visiting www.svmnj.org at 10:00AM. Please click here to view the mass program. Interment for Tom will follow at St. Vincent Martyr Cemetery in Madison.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Tom’s memory to The Chatham Emergency Squad and to a fund set-up by family and close friends for education and other expenses for Liam and Thomas through Venmo @TomWalsh-FundForSons.