Obituary of Hugh P. Walsh

Hugh Paul Walsh April 17, 1939-February 15, 2013 Hugh Paul Walsh, retired teacher, coach, and athletic director, 73, of Old Bridge, NJ, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, February 15, 2013, surrounded by his loving family. Hugh Walsh, son Joseph and Margaret (nee McHugh) Walsh, was born in Dunmore, PA on April 17, 1939. One of seven children, he was raised in West Pittston, PA. He graduated from Pittston Central Catholic High School in 1956, where he was a three sport all-star in football, basketball and baseball. He was inducted into Pittston Catholic's Hall of Fame in 2002. Hugh later attended St. Francis Prep School in Spring Grove, PA before enrolling in King's College in 1957; where he was a member of the intercollegiate football team. After graduating from King's in 1961, his love of sports, and his parents' respect for teachers drove him to accept John F. Kennedy's call to public service, and he pursued a career as a teacher/coach. He returned to St. Francis Prep to teach English and coach football (assistant), basketball, and baseball. Hugh also served his country as a member of the Marine Corp Reserve for seven years. In 1964, Hugh accepted a job at South River High School where he taught English and coached football and baseball for ten years. In September 1974, Hugh was named the first athletic director and football coach at Monroe Township High School. During his tenure, Hugh was one of the founders of the Greater Middlesex Conference and served as a Vice President to the executive committee for eight years. He was awarded the 1987 and 1997 Greater Middlesex Conference Athletic Director of the Year. Hugh Walsh retired from Monroe Township in 1997. In honor of his passion and dedication, Monroe Township High School dedicated their football field as Hugh P. Walsh stadium. Hugh's greatest joy was his family. In 1966, Hugh married the love of his life Susan (one of nine children). Together they had three children and united two large families. Hugh was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Margaret Walsh and his brother Jack Walsh. Hugh is survived by his wife of 46 years, Susan (nee Farrell), sons Joseph Walsh of Asbury Park, NJ, Edward Walsh and his wife Kerri of Fanwood, NJ, daughter Susan Walsh of Tinton Falls, and grandchildren Ty Viola and Jennifer Walsh. He is also survived by brothers Robert and his wife Patricia of Spotsylvania, VA, Bernard of Downingtown PA, Joseph and his wife Deborah of West Pittston, PA, sisters Mary Sanders of Newtown, PA and Margaret Smith of Downingtown PA, as well as his sister and brother- in -laws, and his 50+ nieces and nephews. Family and friends are invited to visit on Tuesday, February 19, from 7 to 9 pm and Wednesday, February 20 from 2 to 4 pm and 7 to 9 pm at M. David DeMarco Funeral Home, Inc., Monroe Twp., NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, February 21, at 9:15 am at St. Thomas the Apostle RC Church, Old Bridge, NJ. Burial will be immediately following the mass at Holy Cross Burial Park, East Brunswick, NJ. Memorial donations can be made in his memory to the Cancer Institute of New Jersey - The Cancer Institute of New Jersey Foundation - Tower Two, Second Floor - 120 Albany Street New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901 - http://www.cinj.org/ or to Haven Hospice – Please call the JFK Medical Center Foundation at (732) 632-1540 or visit www.jfkmc.org.