Edward Walsh Sr.

Edward Thomas “Pudgy” Walsh Sr. of Portland passed away Saturday, December 8th at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough. The youngest son of Irish immigrants, Pudgy grew up in the Libbytown neighborhood of Portland where he attended local grammar schools before graduating from Cheverus High School in 1950. After High school, Pudgy joined the Navy where he was stationed on the USS Timmerman, a Gearing – class destroyer built in Bath, Maine. While on watch one day, Pudgy received word his wife of 34 years, Anita Joan Clarke, also of Portland, had given birth to their first child, Edward Junior. Together, Pudgy and Anita went on to raise five children of their own. Pudgy spent his entire working career as a Tile setter and a member of the Bricklayers Union for over 50 years. First joining the Maine Tile Company before moving on to Paul G. White Tile, Pudgy traveled all over the state of Maine and New England laying tile for schools, hospitals and businesses of all types. Pudgy enjoyed spending his free time with family and friends following his favorite sports teams - Notre Dame, Green Bay and the St. Louis Cardinals. Pudgy also enjoyed playing cards, especially at the Columbia Club where he was an active member for many years. He belonged to the Eagles Club and Andrews Post as well. Pudgy spent much of his later years with his loving partner Helen Harley of Portland and her family.

Pudgy was predeceased by his parents Patrick Walsh and Mary Coyne, his daughter Elaine, wife Anita, partner Helen, brother Fr. Joseph Walsh and sisters Mary Sharkey of Portland, Peggy Coppinger of Chelmsford, Massachusetts and Barbara Spizzucco of Portland. Pudgy is survived by his brothers John of Portland and Fr. Patrick Walsh of Indiana; his son Edward Jr. and wife Sandra of Portland; son Bill and wife Marian of Sarasota, Florida; son Patrick of Portland; daughter Maureen Arey and her husband Sean of Gorham and his son Danny and wife Holly of Saco. Pudgy will be sadly missed by his many friends and family as well as his fifteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation Wednesday Evening December 12, 2012 from 4 to 7 P.M. in the Jones, Rich, and Hutchins Funeral Home 199 Woodford St. Portland, Maine. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:00 A.M. in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception with Father Robert Parent as Celebrant. Interment will immediately follow at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland. On-Line Condolences can be given to Edward’s Family at www.jonesrichandhutchins.com.