Joseph F. Walsh

Joseph F. Walsh, 80, a resident of Rockland for the past 26 years, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at Alliance Health in Braintree.

Born in Boston, MA on September 1, 1942, he was a loving son of the late Michael J. Walsh and Mary A. (Sullivan) Walsh.

Joe grew up in Quincy and was a 1960 graduate of Cathedral High School in the South End of Boston. A young man of strong faith, Joe initially answered his call to a vocation in the priesthood, first attending the Cardinal O’Connell seminary in Boston. He interrupted his seminary education, becoming an early volunteer with the United States Peace Corps and served in Guatemala for two years.   

Returning to the US, Joe attended Maryknoll College in Chicago, IL where he earned his degree and then chose a different calling to the field of education.   

He spent time working as a guidance counselor for Arlington Catholic High School and at his alma mater, Cathedral High School. Joe then spent the majority of his career as a recruiter, first

at Boston College and later served as assistant director of admissions at Suffolk University for over 30 years, the position from which he would retire. 

Joe was very passionate about his career in education and spent much of the time during his tenure, traveling extensively throughout South America and at Suffolk University’s campus in Madrid, Spain.

He is survived by his dear brothers: Robert J. Walsh and his wife Gail of Braintree, MA; Richard J. Walsh and his wife Marylou of Mashpee, MA; Gerard W. Walsh and his wife Christine of Hanson, MA and Hernando, FL;  Brian M. Walsh and his wife Laura of Milton, MA; and Dennis X. Walsh and his wife Kristi of Port St. Lucie, FL  and was the brother of the late James L. Walsh and his late wife Cathleen. He leaves many nieces and nephews to mourn his passing as well. 

He is also survived by his devoted and loving stepson, Eddie Herrera his wife Elsa and their children, Javier, Julius, and Alejandra all of Braintree, MA. 

A time for visitation will be held on Sunday, February 5, 2023 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM in the Quealy and Son Funeral Home, 116 Adams Street, Abington.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be concelebrated in his honor, on Monday, February 6, 2023 at 10:30 AM in Saint Bridget’s Church, 455 Plymouth Street, Abington. Relatives and Friends are most warmly invited to attend. Interment will be held privately at a later date in New Calvary Cemetery in Boston, at which time Joe will be laid to rest with his parents. 

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Joe’s name online for Suffolk University Scholarships at https://www.suffolk.edu/alumni/support-suffolk/give-now, check the "I wish to dedicate my gift button" to give in memory of Joseph F. Walsh. Or a check may be made out to Suffolk University with “Suffolk University Scholarships in memory of Joseph F. Walsh” in the memo line or cover letter and mailed to:  Suffolk University, Office of Advancement, 8 Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108-2770.

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