John F. Walsh, Jr.

ALBANY – John (Jack) F. Walsh, Jr. died at home on Wednesday, October 1, 2008 surrounded by his loving family and in the care of Hospice after a long illness.
Jack was born in Queens, New York and was raised in Whitestone, Long Island. He was the second oldest of a family of six children. He was predeceased by his parents, First Deputy Police Commissioner John F. Walsh, Sr. and Mary Scully Walsh; his brother Richard T. Walsh and his young son, John (Jay) F. Walsh III.
Jack was married for 55 years to his beloved wife, Ann Murray Walsh of Rockville Centre, Long Island. Jack is also survived by his children Ann (Marty) Loftus of Falmouth, Cape Cod; Barbara (Joe) Eron of Chapel Hill, NC; Stephen of Islamorada , FL; Cynthia Swint, Niskayuna, NY; Timothy of Albany, NY; Sheila (Russell) Vadney of Colonie, NY; Barry (Cindy Houck) of Orange County, CA and Daniel (Linda Hughes) of Edmonds, WA. ; his brothers Rev. Wm. P. Walsh of Manhasset, Long Island and James (Mary) of Merritt Island, Fl and his sisters Patricia (Wm.) Sheedy of East Brunswick, NJ and Anne (Edward) Veprovsky of Southhold, Long Island. Jack is also survived by many in-laws, nieces and nephews. His 20 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren will definitely miss their beloved "Poppy."
Jack graduated from Bishop Loughlin High School in Brooklyn and following a tour of duty in the Air Force moved to Syracuse to work for W.T. Grant & Co. and later moved to Albany in 1961 while employed by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company. Career changes took him to IBM and Univac and then to the Central Administration of the State University of New York. Following a few years with the AYCO Co. Jack returned to State service and retired from New York State Taxation and Finance in 1998. While living in Syracuse Jack earned his degree in Business Administration from Syracuse University and in Albany a Masters from SUNY Albany. Jack was an Assistant Cubmaster for several years with Cub Scout Troop 79. As the boys advanced to Boy Scouts, he volunteered as a chaperone when the troop went camping. He had many stories to tell of their "rainy" outings. He was also a deputy commissioner for the Hudson Mohawk Boy Scout Council for several years. Jack and Ann spent many years with their younger children camping in the Adirondacks at Kindervolk, a magical place owned by friends. During those camping years Jack was the commodore for the sailing races and held the campfire crowd spellbound with his rendition of the "Pig Song."
As a member of St. Clare's parish in Colonie for 47 years, Jack was a former member of the first Parish Council, the St. Vincent DePaul Society, the Holy Name Society, the Home School Association, the Mr. and Mrs. Club; taught Religious Education, chaperoned the Youth Group, was a lector and a Eucharistic Minister. Jack and Ann were instructors in the Diocesan Pre-Cana Program and co-chairman of the Marriage Jubilee celebration. Jack was a former member of the Colonie Knights of Columbus, is a Past Exalted Ruler of the Colonie Lodge of Elks #2192 where he was a State All-American Ritual Contest winner and was an integral part of the Colonie team that went to Portland, OR where they finished fourth in the nation. As an Elk officer, Jack was a Trustee and for several years was the District Chairman for Drug Awareness which involved participation in the Schenectady Christmas Parade as "Hugs Bunny" and appearances as "Hugs" at Albany River Rats hockey games and other drug awareness activities. He was chair of the Bingo Committee and Lodge, District and State Chair for Soccer. After he retired and between trips with Ann to visit their children and grandchildren, Jack was a teacher for the AARP driving course and taught at many local senior citizen groups.
Funeral services will be on Monday morning at 9:00 at St. Clare's Church where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Friends may call on Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at St. Clare's Church 1947 Central Ave. Colonie. A Past Exalted Ruler Elks service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Sunday at St. Clare's Church.
At the request of the family, memorial donations may be sent to Community Hospice, 445 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205; St. Clare's Roman Catholic Church at 1947 Central Avenue, Colonie, NY 12205 or the Elks National Foundation in care of the Colonie Lodge of Elks #2192, P.O. Box 756, Latham, NY 12110. To leave a special message for the family online, visit NewcomerAlbany.com