JohnWalsh

Merrimac – John R. “Rod” Walsh, husband of the late Mary (Straus) Walsh, passed away peacefully October 22, 2018. He was 83.Born in Philadelphia, PA, he was the oldest son of the late John and Marie (McLaughlin) Walsh. Raised and educated in Philadelphia, he was a graduate of La Salle High School, Class of 1953 and La Salle University in Philadelphia where he also obtained his Master’s degree in Theology. Rod also attended Catholic University in Washington DC where he obtained a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and Lesley University in Cambridge where he received his Master’s in Social Work. He was a member of the Congregation of Christian Brothers, a group dedicated to the education and teachings of young people. Rod was employed at West Catholic High School in Philadelphia, PA as a Science teacher before he was Head of Guidance at South Hill Catholic in Pittsburgh, PA. After moving to the Boston area, he was Principal at T2 Alternative High School in Peabody and Guidance counselor at Amesbury High School in Amesbury. Known for his strong Catholic faith, he was heavily involved at Sacred Hearts Parish in Bradford, teaching confirmation classes and where he was a Eucharistic Minister. Rod gave of himself in many ways, and touched the lives of numerous children throughout his career. He worked with many children with support and guidance and made an impact on many lives. Those same children have kept in touch with Rod over the years and he cherished their friendship. With his wife Mary he enjoyed travelling to Ogunquit in Maine and Ocean City in New Jersey and they both loved watching the Red Sox and the Celtics. Rod will be remembered for his giving spirit and his willingness to help others. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.Rod is survived by his brothers, Robert Walsh and his wife Vicki of Spotsylvania, VA James Walsh and his wife Susan of Media, PA three beloved nieces, Karen Gray and her husband Robert of Belmont Laura Harris and her husband Todd of Lynnfield Susan Walsh and her husband Jamin AAsum of Portland, OR grandnieces, Courtney, Phoebe, Bridget and Abigail and the extended Straus family.Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend calling hours on Tuesday, October 30 from 9:00AM until 11:00AM at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main Street, Haverhill. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:30AM at Sacred Hearts Parish, 165 S. Main Street, Bradford. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery, 96 Salem Street, Bradford. Donations may be made in his name to Sacred Heart Youth Ministry Program, 165 S. Main Street, Bradford, MA 01835 or Friends of the Children, 555 Amory Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130. Please visit Comeau Funeral Home on Facebook or www.comeaufuneral.com