Joseph James Walsh

He was born March 22, 1931, to Frank and Mary Walsh in Hamilton, Canada. He lived with his brother George (deceased), Cousin Evelyn Mc Inally (10/4/22) and Sister Teresita.

He met the love of his life Diane, through his cousin Evelyn, and they were married on August 7, 1993.

While in Canada he accepted the call of the draft into the US ARMY. He joined the Army to maintain his right to US citizenship (from his father) and served in the Korean War.

He used his GI Bill to attend the University of Miami and graduated in 1961 with a degree in Business Management. He was an immensely proud CANE and wore his class ring every day of his life.

After graduating from UM, his construction career started by opening his own company JJ Walsh Construction, now known as JJW Construction. He built numerous hotels and shopping centers with his most prestigious accomplishment being Fisher Island in Miami Beach.

Papa Joe loved to travel and had seen most of the world. His favorite places were sitting on his patio in Fort Lauderdale, enjoying sunsets at his condo in the Florida Keys or more recently at his cottage, on an island in Georgian Bay. His favorite past pastimes were spending time with his family, boating, diving, biking and of course watching football.

Papa Joe was also an avid sports fan. He attended Super Bowl 3 when Joe Namath predicted a Jets win. He attended many Miami Dolphin games at the Orange Bowl including their undefeated season. He was a University of Miami booster and proudly watched his Canes win several National Championships. He loved watching our local teams win championships (Miami Heat, Miami Marlins and Florida Panthers go to the Stanley Cup finals). He even owned and raced a SCCA red and black race car #44.

Joseph is survived by his wife of 31 years Diane, his children Kathleen (Ron) Salerno, Thomas (Jackie) Walsh, Joanne Walsh Weeks, Monique (Luc) Voorn, and Marc (Colleen) Guimond, Grandchildren Kristina (Grant) Belgram, JJ Barber, Ashley Barber, Courtney (Jim) O’Malley, Collin Walsh, Ryan Walsh, Hannah (John) Grenier, Emma Weeks, Anthony (Carolann) Salerno, Andrew (Kaylen) Salerno, Angelo (Nicole) Salerno, Eric Guimond and Graeme Guimond. Great grandchildren Grant, Cole, Drake & Mackenzie Belgram, William and Leyla Salerno. Nephew Billy (Lorri) Kleeh, Cousin Sister Teresita, and sister-in-law Jeannine Traynor and her family.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to The Marfan Foundation.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 from 4:00 - 8:00 at the KRAEER-FAIRCHILD FUNERAL HOME, 4061 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale. Joseph's funeral service will commence on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 11:00 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Burial with Military Honors conferred by the United States Army will take place in South Florida National Cemetery.

To view the Live Stream of Joseph's, Mass of Christian Burial, please click on the link below.

https://boxcast.tv/view/joseph-walsh-funeral-mass-ycyqncgyweb4oupdrs3e

It can be a great comfort to a grieving person or family to hear that others thought highly of their loved one, too. If you knew and admired Joseph be, sure to let the family know by writing a few words in the "Memory" section of his obituary on the Kraeer - Fairchild Funeral Home website. www.KraeerFairchild.com