Obituaries

Donald Patrick Walsh, age 85 a lifelong resident of West Scranton, passed away Wednesday morning at the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife Jean Ann (Wyshock) Walsh, LPN. The couple had celebrated more than 60 years of fun filled marriage. He was a faithful Roman Catholic and longtime member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.
Born in Scranton, the son of the late John F. and Margaret (Busteed) Walsh, Don was a graduate of West Scranton High School. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy on USS Bronson “The Bouncing Bee” before his honorable discharge. He returned home, married and began raising his family of six children. For four decades prior to his well deserved retirement, he worked as an engineer for Erie Lackawanna and Conrail Railways.
Don was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Ancient Order of Hibernians and was active with the Disabled American Veterans. He enjoyed gardening; loved walking at the Viewmont Mall; couponing and shopping for sales and cooking (his clam chowder was legendary).
A first class “Mr. Fix It”, Don would do anything for anyone in need. Uncle Don was a family favorite and he made all his nieces and nephews feel loved. Patriarch of the family, he interacted warmly with many and was a loving and doting “Grumpy” grandfather. He had many friends and his admirable loyalty and nurturing nature allowed all who knew him to adore him. He’ll unquestionably be forever missed but his loved ones find comfort knowing he’s now reunited with his beloved, Jean.
He is survived by his loving family including his children, Donna Benjamin and husband Jeff of Miami, FL, Dan Walsh and partner Nancy Mahoney of Gouldsboro, Shawn Walsh and wife Erin of Henniker, N.H., Fran Walsh and wife Michele of Scranton, Sue Tugend and husband Joe of Taylor and Kathy Harhut and husband Tom of Scott Twp.; 15 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; a sister, Margie Thomas of Clarks Summit; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Siblings, John “Jack”, Joseph, Tom, Paul, Robert and James Walsh, Gladys Farrell and Mary Doyle preceded him in death.
His family would like to acknowledge and thank the entire staff of both Gino J. Merli Veterans Center and Traditional Hospice for the care and compassion shown toward Don and the family.
Funeral services are scheduled to begin on Monday at 9:15 AM from the Kevin K. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 N. Main Ave., Scranton, with a 10 AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick’s Church, 1403 Jackson Street in West Scranton, to be celebrated by Rev. Richard Fox, Pastor. Burial with military rites by the AMVETS Honor Guard will follow at the Cathedral Cemetery.
Family and friends may pay their respects on Sunday July 9, 2023 between 2:00 and 5:00 PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in Don’s name to: GMVC Residents’ Welfare Fund; Gino J. Merli Veterans’ Center, 401 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18503. Please visit the funeral home’s website for directions or to leave a condolence.