Francis "Frank" J. Walsh

Francis "Frank" J. Walsh April 2, 1923 April 23, 2014 PORTLAND -- Francis J. Walsh, 91, of Portland, died peacefully on April 23, 2014, at Maine Veterans' Home in Scarborough with his loving family by his side. He was born on April 2, 1923, in Portland, one of nine children, the son of Peter and Norah Flaherty Walsh. Francis was raised in Portland's Bayside neighborhood and proudly referred to himself as a Dump Ranger and a member of the Tiger AA baseball team. While growing up in the 30s, Francis and his brother Wally caddied at the Portland Country Club where they were rewarded with many life-long memories. One thrill came the day Francis caddied for boxing champion Gene Tunney and earned a 10 dollar tip. Francis attended Cathedral Grammar School and was a 1942 graduate of Cheverus High School where he excelled in several sports. Following high school, Francis was drafted into the U.S. Army and served three years during WWII primarily in the Philippines and Papua, New Guinea. He was a decorated veteran and the recipient of the Philippine Liberation Ribbon and a Bronze Service Star. Francis married Lena Aceto on April 11, 1948, at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Portland. They recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. He was a devoted husband and supportive father of four children. A proud Irish Catholic, he was a faithful communicant of St. Pius X Church. In 1980, Francis and his brother Colie made a special trip to Ireland with their daughters to visit relatives in the home towns of their parents. Francis worked for Hub Cycle, Frank M. Brown and ADT, before retiring in 1987. For nearly 40 years, the Walshes traveled throughout the United States to attend Army reunions of the 863rd Engineering Battalion. During his retirement, Francis enjoyed reading, music, walking, gardening, photography and following the news and sports. He especially cherished time with his loving family. Francis was predeceased by his parents; sister Mary, and brothers, John 'Wally,' Martin, Peter (Clarkie), Coleman and Thomas Walsh. Francis is survived by his wife Lena; their four children, Stephanie Trainor and husband Timothy, Peter Walsh and wife Kate, Michael Walsh and wife Elizabeth, Maryann Walsh-Klapper and husband Mitchell Klapper; granddaughters, Shana Walsh, Colleen Walsh; and most beloved great-grandson, Nicholas Walsh. He is also survived by his sister, Agnes Townsend and husband Gerald, his brother, William; a sister-in-law, three brothers-in-law; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff at the Maine Veterans Home in Scarborough for their compassionate and professional care for Francis and their thoughtful support for his family. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Ave., Portland on Saturday, April 26, 2014, at 10 a.m. To offer condolences and share memories with the family please go to www.athutchins.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Maine Veteran's Home 290 U.S. Route One Scarborough, Maine 04074

Francis "Frank" J. Walsh

April 2, 1923 - April 23, 2014

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