Submitted by: Dan Rich

William Joseph Walsh

Dec. 6, 1918 - April 19, 1999

South Bend Tribune 4/22/1999

William Joseph Walsh, 80, of South Bend, Ind., formerly of Port Jefferson, N.Y., died following an illness at 8:40 p.m. on Monday, April 19, in Memorial Hospital, South Bend. Mr. Walsh was born on Dec. 6, 1918, in the Bronx, N.Y., to Thomas Joseph and Mary (Barrett) Walsh and had lived in South Bend since 1992, coming from Port Jefferson.

On July 23, 1944, in Baldwin, N.Y., he married Ruthe G. Meyers, who preceded him in death on Nov. 18, 1993. He was also preceded in death by a son, Thomas J. Walsh; and by a sister, Ronnie Conboy. He is survived by two daughters, Barbara Ruthe (Marlin Schmidt) Walsh of South Bend and Lisa K. (Lotfi) Frigi of Queens, N.Y.; four sons, William J. (Irene) Walsh II of Havre de Grace, Md., Robert A. Walsh of Newark, Del., Christopher L. (Debbie) Walsh of Wilmington, Del. and Richard W. (Melissa) Walsh of Mastic, N.Y.; six grandchildren; and a sister, Rita Duff of Baldwin.

Mr. Walsh retired as an account executive with AT&T in 1981 after 35 years of service. His main account was ABC Sports for whom he traveled extensively to cover sporting events. He also covered national political conventions. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, serving with the 1st Marine Division during World War II, during which he saw action in the Pacific Theatre including Guadalcanal. He was also an avid golfer.

There will be no service or visitation. Cremation will take place at Michiana Crematory with burial to follow at Southlawn Cemetery in South Bend. Memorial contributions may be made to Memorial Health Foundation, 615 N. Michigan Street, South Bend, IN 46601. Welsheimer Funeral Home, 521 N. William Street, South Bend, is handling arrangements.