Obituary of Robert L Walsh

Robert Leslie Francis Walsh (Bobby) passed away peacefully on July 26, 2018, following a brief illness, at his daughter’s home in Basking Ridge.

Bobby, the son of Francis and Margaret (Shepard) Walsh, was born on July 25, 1926 in West New York, New Jersey and was one of five siblings (older brother and sister, Frank and Ella, and younger brothers, James and John).   As a child, Bobby moved with his family to Roselle and their home was always open to relatives and friends, many of whom lived with the family during difficult times in their lives.   Bobby attended Roselle schools.  At 18, he joined the Navy,  was stationed on Guam during World War II and was honorably discharged in July 1946.

When Bobby returned home, he met the love of his life, Helen Hooker.  They married on September 17, 1949, and settled down in Kenilworth, to raise their family.  They worshipped at the Kenilworth Gospel Chapel, where Bobby was the “chef” for Men’s Breakfast and Helen played the piano, and where Bobby continued to worship throughout his life.  Bobby loved fishing and Cape Cod vacations with Helen, family and friends. 

Bobby was an electrician and worked for IBEW Local 675 until he retired in 1989.    Soon after he retired, Helen became ill and Bobby cared for her until her death in 2003. 

Bobby was also predeceased by all of his siblings, three of their spouses and former daughter-in-law, Karen Kelly Walsh.   He is survived by his daughter Eileen of Basking Ridge; Robert Jr. and his companion, Nancy D’Amato, of Carteret; and Suellen Mucci and her husband, Anthony, of Wellington, Florida.   He is also survived by grandchildren Jaime Walsh-Gonzalez (Victor); Andrew Mucci (Abby); Robyn Mucci, Kate Walsh and Julianne Walsh  and great-grandsons, Nathaniel (Nate) Robert Mucci (who was born on Bobby’s birthday four years ago) and Francis Joseph Mucci, who were the lights of his life.  He also leaves behind best friends Pat Walsh (“Miss Patty”); Jim Dering; Kim Walsh (a niece who had a special place in Bobby’s life); Olga and Clarence Brown (Helen’s friend and faithful visitor during her illness and Bobby’s friend and “fishing guide”); Cape Cod friends Jan and Bob Swanson; other relatives and friends who will miss him; and his Scottish Terrier, Precious, his constant companion in recent years.

Bobby’s life centered on family, faith, friends and fishing.  He will be remembered most for his values, especially his willingness to help others in times of need.  He published his first book (an autobiography entitled “Memoirs of a Fair-Haired Angel”) at age 90.  “Memoirs” reflects a life well-lived and Bobby’s peace with his future.     

Funeral Services will be private for family. For further information, or to light an online condolence candle please visit www.gcfuneralhome.com.  For anyone who wishes to do so, donations may be made in Bobby’s memory to the Visiting Nurses Association of Somerset Hills in Basking Ridge, whose hospice team provided wonderful end-of-life care and comfort during Bobby’s final weeks.  The family also extends special thanks to Jennifer, Bobby’s VNA nurse, who provided extra support.