John Joseph Walsh Jr.

Also known as "Jack" or affectionately as "Lefty," passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. Jack was the cherished son of the late John J. and Alice M. (Levins) Walsh of Boston.

Born and raised on Shed Street in Germantown, Quincy, Jack spent his childhood enjoying life in "The Neck" — swimming, waterskiing, playing basketball, and especially excelling at baseball. A left-handed first baseman, Jack was known for his powerful bat and his love for the game.

A proud graduate of Stonehill College, where he earned his degree in education and played on the college baseball team, Jack dedicated his life to teaching and mentorship. He spent nearly his entire career in the Quincy Public School system, where he taught History and Civics with passion, insight, and humor.

Jack was more than a teacher—he was a visionary and advocate for working families. He was asked to write the grant that founded what would become the South Shore Stars program, establishing much needed childcare opportunities for Germantown families, Jack not only wrote the grant but also led the program in its infancy as Center Director while continuing to teach full-time. What began as an afterschool program at Broad Meadows, is now a distinguished organization serving over 1,200 children annually via ten locations from Quincy across the South Shore.

Jack had a gift for building community and uplifting others. He surrounded himself with young, energetic educators—many of whom he mentored throughout their careers. He was deeply proud of their integrity, work ethic, and commitment to children, and he championed their growth every step of the way.

He was the loving father of John T. "Jay" Walsh and his wife Jane C. Higgins of Westwood, and Amy E. Cotter and her husband Michael O. "Mic" Cotter of Whitman. Jack was the proud and devoted "Grampy" to his grandchildren: Hannah E. Cotter and Aidan M. Cotter of Whitman, MA and Avery C. Walsh of Westwood.

He was the former husband and lifelong friend of Jacqueline F. Walsh of Whitman. Jack is predeceased by his beloved sister Ann C. "Nancy" Long and is survived by her husband Edward Long of Weymouth. He is also survived by his brother Gerard Walsh and Gerard's partner Anthony Marcasciano of Randolph, along with many loving nieces and nephews who always enjoyed "Uncle Jack's" quick wit and generous spirit.

Jack lived a full life enriched by many interests. He enjoyed long walks with his dogs, swimming, playing basketball and tennis, writing poetry and songs under the mysterious pseudonym "Dr. Keet," and relaxing on the Cape. A lover of fiction and a lifelong learner, Jack found peace in books, music, and nature.

Though not religious for much of his life, Jack experienced a spiritual rebirth later in his years and gave all glory to God.

Jack's legacy lives on through the countless students he inspired, the programs he helped build, and the people he mentored. His impact will ripple through generations.

Visitation will be held at the Quealy & Son Funeral Home, 116 Adams Street, Abington, on Thursday July 10 from 5pm to 7:30pm, followed by a service in the funeral home at 7:30pm. In lieu of flowers Jack wished donations be made to South Shore Stars via https://southshorestars.org/donate/