Joseph Hartwell Walsh Jr.

Joseph H. Walsh Jr., 86, of Stonington died peacefully on February 14, 2020. He was the beloved husband of Claire E. (Falck) Walsh for nearly 66 years. Born in New London on July 8, 1933, Joe was the son of the late Joseph H. Walsh Sr. and Katherine (Eckstein) Walsh.

He leaves two daughters, Linda M. Walsh of Groton, Connecticut and Laura L. Walsh of Medfield, Massachusetts, a 10-year-old-grandson, Emmett, a younger brother, William Walsh of Woodstock, GA, and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his son, Michael J. Walsh, his daughter-in-law, Linda (Luzzi) Walsh, and his brother, Lawrence J. Walsh.

Joe served in the Marines on active duty from to 1950 to 1952, and continued to serve in the reserves. He worked for 38 years as a lineman for Northeast Utilities. Like all linemen, he worked hard, especially in bad weather. In the blizzard of ’78, he was away from home for 14 days straight, helping to restore power to families across Connecticut.

For most of his life, he was an avid fisherman. Friends and family who went out on the Lady Claire with him saw his delight at a good catch, and his ire when someone had tampered with his lobster pots.

Cooking a good stew, chili, or batch of cinnamon rolls were ways Joe showed his love to his wife and children and will be missed.

In more recent years, he took up pool. As with anything he did, he did it with dedication, practicing almost daily and joining a league. It was clear how much the guys on the pool team meant to him, especially, Stedman “Steady” Linsey, for whom Joe had much affection and admiration.

He will also be greatly missed by Jake, the family dog, who could always count on “Grandpa Joe” to sneak him a piece of bacon and otherwise wreak havoc with his diet.

Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe’s name to vfw.org.