WINTER HAVEN – Mr. Thomas "Tom" Joseph Walsh, Jr., age 84, passed away on July 19, 2009 from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. 

      Born on July 21, 1925 in Trenton, New Jersey,  he lived in Eatonton, Georgia and Miami, Florida before moving his family to Winter Haven in 1964. Mr. Walsh was a military veteran. He served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II and actively served in the Berlin Airlift. Mr. Walsh was a graduate of the University of Georgia and worked for the Polk County Health Department in Winter Haven where he retired as Assistant Director in January of 1990. Mr. Walsh was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Winter Haven where he previously served as President of the Parish Council and volunteered extensively at St. Joseph's Catholic School.  Tom also spent many years working as a high school football referee. After retirement, Tom worked on his farm in Polk City and built his own dream home - a log cabin in Eatonton, Georgia. 

      Mr. Walsh is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ann Knowles Walsh of Winter Haven, daughters Alice Walsh Lockhart, Seminole, and Patty Walsh Whigham (Mike) Winter Haven, and his son Thomas (Tommy) J. Walsh, III, Eatonton, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his son William (Billy) Michael Walsh in 1992. Mr. Walsh leaves behind seven grandchildren: Ryan, Lauren, Jason, Kyle, Michael, William, Rachael and three great grandchildren.

      A funeral mass will be held in the Chapel at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Winter Haven on Saturday, July 25, 2009 at 11:00 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Cornerstone Hospice, 2590 Havendale Blvd. NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881.  Condolences to the family can be sent to: www.oakridgefuneralcare.com.