Father John A. Walsh

Father John A. Walsh, age 78, of Clermont heard his Savior’s call, “Well done good and faithful servant. Enter into the kingdom of heaven,” on Thursday, April 19, 2012. Born January 26, 1934 in Scranton, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Harold E. Walsh and the late Kathryn May Walsh.

Survivors include his sister, Margaret Bullock; his brother, Edward R. Walsh; and his entire family of parishioners, brothers, and sisters at Holy Cross Catholic Church of Orlando and the Diocese of Orlando.

A graduate of high school in Scranton, Father Walsh continued his educational journey by completing his undergraduate studies at the University of Scranton, his theological studies at St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, and his graduate studies at several educational institutions. He earned his STL from the University of Scranton, his MS in Counseling from Marywood College, and his MA in Psychology and Doctorate of Ministry from St. Louis Aquinas.

Father Walsh was ordained on May 27, 1961 in the Diocese of Scranton. For the first two decades of his ministry, his appointments involved teaching and pastoral work in his native Pennsylvania. In 1986, Father Walsh went to Clearwater, Florida to minister to other priests, sisters, and brothers.

During his fruitful ministry, Father Walsh served as the Curate at St. Mary of the Mount in Mt. Pocono, PA, served as the Dean of Students and seminary professor at St. Pius X Seminary in Dalton, PA, served as Pastor of St. Patrick in Nicholson, PA, served as Priest Psychotherapist at the House of Affirmation in Clearwater, FL, served as Associate Pastor at St. John Vianney in Orlando, FL, and served as Parochial Vicar at Holy Cross in Orlando beginning in 1993. One of the other important aspects of Father Walsh’s ministry was his service as counselor at the Center for the Empowerment of Youth Living with HIV/AIDS AS.

Father Walsh loved the outdoors and he loved animals particularly those under his care and nurture. He lived his life very simply, and he lived the words of St. Francis, “Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.” Father Walsh will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Surely great is his reward in heaven.

The family will receive friends on Monday, April 23, 2012 from 1 – 7 p.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Orlando with a prayer service concluding the visitation at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested for Hospice of the Comforter, 480 W. Central Parkway, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714.

A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church with the Most Reverend Bishop John Noonan, Bishop of the Diocese of Orlando officiating. Burial will be private at the San Pedro Center in Winter Park.

Please join in celebrating Father Walsh’s life by visiting www.dignitymemorial.com to sign the online guest book and to share your favorite memories of Father Walsh.

Arrangements are being handled by Family Funeral Care, Hunter’s Creek, 13001 S. John Young Prkwy., Orlando, FL 32837 (407) 812-4200.