John Patrick Walsh Jr.

John Patrick Walsh, 77, passed away on Wednesday May 17, 2023, in Niles. 

He was born in Youngstown, Ohio on Nov. 7, 1945, the son of John Patrick and Twyla (Shoup) Walsh. He had two siblings, Kay Marino (Len) and Thomas Walsh (Joanne).

John attended St. Stephens Elementary, St. Elizabeth High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Wheeling Jesuit University, before joining the United States Army and serving in the Vietnam War.  He finished his education at Youngstown State University after the war. 

John met his future wife, Virginia “Ginny” Reardon, in Louisville, Kentucky, after he returned from the Army, and together, they were blessed with two children, Shelley and Christopher. 

For John, family was a priority. He was stoic and dependable, thoughtful and giving. He worked hard for his family as a traffic manager at Ajax Tocco Magnethermic in Warren, Ohio.

He was a runner, golfer and swimmer who enjoyed the outdoors. Yet at the same time, he was an avid reader who could often be found tucked away in the McKinley Memorial Library. John also loved his Irish heritage, Irish music and classic rock.  He was a dedicated member of St. Stephen Church in Niles.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia “Ginny”; his two children, Shelley of Highland, California and Christopher of San Diego, California; one granddaughter, Scarlet Walsh-Villavicencio; his cousins, Ann Davis of Niles, Vickie Papalas, Mary Ann Swiderski, Jeannie Vidoni and, as well as his brother’s first wife, Carmie Gillespie. 

He is predeceased by his parents and siblings, Kay and Thomas. 

In John’s honor, his family shared an Irish blessing: “Those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed and very dear.” 

John was kind to all, well liked and loved. He will be missed.

Calling hours will be from 8:30 to 9:30 am on Monday May 22, 2023 at the Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home.  Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:00 a.m. at St. Stephen Church.  Rev. Richard Murphy will be the celebrant.  Burial will be in St. Stephen Cemetery.

The family asks in lieu of flowers donations be made to St. Stephen Parish 129 West Park Avenue, Niles, Ohio 44446 or Cleveland VA Fisher House 10521 Lee Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106.

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