AGAWAM – Joseph A. Walsh, 53, a resident of Agawam, died early Friday morning, April 11, 2014 at Heritage Hall South. He was born in Westfield, raised and educated in Southwick, a son of the late Joseph E. and Marilyn (Brown) Walsh.Joe was previously employed for several years as a fork lift operator with Hood Ice Cream Corporation of Suffield. Joe was a free spirit who lived life on his own terms. He was a hard worker, an honest man who loved working on his cars, riding in his boat, enjoyed the outdoors, and loved nature and trees. He was a wonderful friend to many and did whatever he could to put smiles on his children’s faces. He loved fiercely. He lived his life to the fullest and will be missed.
He leaves two loving children, Kathleen R. Walsh of Chicopee, and Joseph R. Walsh of Springfield; the love of his life, Marie Woodell Mathes of Agawam; four siblings, Linda J. Nicholson and her husband David of Southwick, Jim A. Walsh and his wife Ellen of West Boylston, Susan L. Walsh and her longtime companion Frank Phillips of Granby, CT, and Lauren E. Walsh Cruz and her husband Joe of North Grafton; his former wife, Gabrielle Collins of Westfield; and his former longtime companion and mother of his son Joseph, Heather Pirnie of Springfield; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
His funeral will be private and at the convenience of his family with burial in the Walsh family lot in New Cemetery in Southwick. There will be no calling hours.
Memorial contributions in Joe’s memory may be directed to the American Diabetes Association, 2080 Silas Deane Highway, Rocky Hill, CT, 06067. Arrangements are by the Southwick Forastiere Funeral Home, 624 College Highway, Southwick. For more information please visit www.forastierefuneralhome.com
