Thomas Patrick Walsh passed away on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at his home in Flagler Beach, surrounded by those who loved him dearly. He was 91.
He was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, the son of James and Kathleen Gillen Walsh. In Ireland he grew up boxing in his youth and was an ALL Ireland Champion known as the Belfast Belter. Immigrating to the United States, he pursued his boxing passion, becoming a Golden Gloves Champion and fighting at Madison Square Garden in New York.
A true Irishman at heart, it was always his desire to see his homeland as a united Ireland and ensure his children and grandchildren were familiar with the Irish Catholic struggles for independence. He owned Emerald Trucking Company in New York City, along with several restaurants and bars throughout his working career. He loved and enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
Golf became his passion. He also enjoyed singing, especially Irish Tunes, carpentry, and a good cold Irish Beer. He never missed an opportunity to celebrate life, laughing and singing. He was truly a great man with brilliant craic, and could bring a smile to all who met him.
Preceding him in death in 2021 was his beloved wife, Brigid Walsh. He is survived by his son, Thomas P. Walsh Jr. of Mahopac N.Y., his daughters, Roisin Baird of Poughquag N.Y., Patricia Barton of Palm Coast, and Colleen Conklin, of Flagler Beach, by his son-in-law, Chris Conklin, 10 grandchildren and one great grandchild, and a host of friends and family in the United States and Ireland.
For the last 27 years, he has lived next door to his daughter Colleen, son-in-law Chris and grandchildren Patrick and Ryan, spending the last several years living with his daughter Colleen, a Flagler County School Board member. He adored Mary and Stanley Drescher, the in-laws who lived on the other side of the family home. Alzheimer’s won in the end, but his soul will rejoice in heaven.
He will be greatly missed by all.
A brief service followed a Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 7, in the chapel of Craig-Flagler Palms Funeral Home. Mr. Walsh’s remains will be returned to his beloved Belfast in Northern Ireland for interment, along with his wife, Bridgid’s ashes.
In memory of Thomas Patrick Walsh, donations are suggested to the Flagler County Education Foundation. Arrangements are in the care and trust of Craig-Flagler Palms Funeral Home.
Steve says
Travel Well. RIP
Slainte
The Villa Beach Walker says
When I look down toward the beach
When I look down toward the beach,
the distant pier seems to stride
forward from the shining sea.
I like to look beyond,
to the bands of turquoise and blue,
an ocean painted in bold,
abandoned strokes.
Why are we drawn to the waves?
Those elemental rhythms,
sounds and colours
of a primary world,
where sparse pointillist spots
busy themselves on
yellow-ochre sands.
Some days the morning
unfolds through mists,
groynes spacing out
the distances along the strand,
until a final fade-out,
well before the sea
can meet the sky.
Overhead, pterodactyl shapes
patrol against fresh patches
of blue. As I approach,
the blurred semblances
of buildings appear, rectangles
feathered violet or grey,
as if stepping off the cliff.
Ted West says
RIP Tommy
Martin Collins says
May Tommy rest in peace
He was a great character
Our sincere condolences to Colleen and family
Martin and Jackie Collins
Haw Creek Girl says
Lovey was a joy and will be missed by so many….including me. Much love and appreciation to his family for allowing me to hang out and love on him. Colleen, your Father lit up any time you came in the room and beamed with pride when you were spoken of in your absence. May God bless and comfort you all.
thomas gillen says
I knew of him and he once owned a residence on Cumberland head which I visited now and then. He was a kind man. I often go by that residence when taking the ferry to go to vermont. The road has changed but I often take the long way around to reminiss . God Bless .