"Linda, I was so shocked to hear of Bill's passing. So many fond memories of the two of you at St. Joan of Arc. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Bill will be greatly missed by all who knew him. "
In loving memory of
William James Walsh
December 9, 1946 - June 24, 2021
William "Bill" Walsh, Jr, age 74, of Phoenix, AZ passed on to eternal life on June 24, 2021, with his loving wife and children by his side. Born to William and Eleanor Walsh in 1946 in Buffalo, New York, he attended St. Thomas Aquinas Elementary School, Canisius High School, and went on to earn a degree in Education from State University of New York. He taught at Cloverbank School in Hamburg, NY until he decided to further his education at the University of Arizona in Tucson, working on a Masters in Racetrack Management. He enjoyed a long career in Horse Racing, retiring as the Director of the Arizona Department of Racing in July 2015.
Bill was a gentleman and a gentle man. He was a proud Irishman and grew up in South Buffalo NY. He had easy access to New York City where he often went to take in a Broadway play after a day at the races. In July 1972, he married Linda, his lifetime sweetheart, and together they raised four children, Susan, Kevin, and twins, Brian and Erin. In their 49 years together, the family lived in many states across America, eventually settling in Phoenix, AZ.
Bill had a strong passion for all sports but in particular, he faithfully followed horse racing from the time he was a young man. One year he had the opportunity to attend the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Their daughter Erin, during her time as a student in Lexington KY, frequently solicited his expert advice for Derby winners, but they usually fell short of cashing in on winning tickets! Bill instilled his love of sports in his sons, Kevin and Brian, which often made for great bonding opportunities. Bill was a lifelong Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo Bills fan. His fervent hope was to have at least one team win a championship while he was alive. Both teams came close (but he annually had to apologize to his family for making them fans!).
In retirement, Bill's sense of adventure led him and Linda to explore Italy, a country he fell deeply in love with while visiting Linda's extended family. He often recounted cherished memories of his trips to Italy with Linda, daughter Susan, and grandson, Anthony. Bill's grandsons were his pride and joy, and he regularly regaled friends and family with stories of their escapades. Bill was guided by his faith and a devoted family man. He was a dedicated parishioner of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church and faithfully attended morning mass and Perpetual Adoration for many years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for 32 years, a founding member of the Knights of Columbus Council (14357), where he was treasurer for 9 years, and attained the Third Degree. For his years of dedicated service, he was awarded an honorary lifetime membership. Bill was a scholar, an avid reader, lover of history and politics, and could often be found in his favorite chair with a book. His knowledge and wisdom were well regarded among family and friends.
Bill is preceded in death by his father, William Sr. He is survived by his mother Eleanor of Hamburg NY, brother Tom and sister Susan of Buffalo NY, wife Linda (née Gomez), children Susan, Kevin, Brian, and Erin, son-in-law John Bassetti, and beloved grandsons Anthony, John, and Joseph Bassetti.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 1st, 2021 from 5 pm to 8 pm, with a rosary beginning at 7 pm, at Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary located at 6500 E Bell Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85254. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 2nd, 2021 at 11 am at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church located at 3801 E. Greenway Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85032. Lunch will be held immediately after the funeral mass at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Bill be made to Aid to Women's Center (Tempe AZ) or Treasure Valley Classical Academy (Fruitland ID). If a donation is not possible, please enjoy a nice Italian cappuccino or even a regular cup of 'joe' with loved ones in his memory.
Tributes
"Our heartfelt sympathy Linda to you and your family. Rich & Pat Newhouse"
"Our sincere sympathy to Linda and children. We have the privilege of being related by marriage and sharing three wonderful grandsons. We love Susan and know she was raised to be a terrific wife and mother by two caring, kind and thoughtful parents. Linda, your grandsons will carry on the values you and Bill have instilled in them. John and Patrice Bassetti"
"We met Bill, Linda and their family when we relocated to Birmingham Alabama. It was our first relocation from my hometown ,Buffalo New York. We were so anxious to meet and it led to many shared Bills games and holidays. They welcomed us with open arms and meant so much to us and still do. Rest in peace Bill . "
"John and I are both grieving alongside you, Linda (and family) in the passing of Bill. He was a kind man with a gentle spirit. Though there are many miles between us we always considered Bill a true lifelong friend. We have many fond memories of Bill whether here in AL or as our tour guide on our wonderful trip visiting ya?ll in AZ. We are truly blessed to have known Bill. He will be greatly missed. May God?s loving embrace bring you peace. With love & prayers, John & Brenda P.S. John will miss swapping ? Boudreaux? jokes with Bill"
"Jan and I just returned from vacation and were surprised to hear of Bill's passing. Nice memories of church dinners with the two of you over the years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Paul and Jan Murray"
"I am very sorry to hear of Bills passing. We graduated together from St Thomas Aquinas elementary school. I recall talking with Bill at a reunion or two. He was a likeable kind gentleman. He formed half of our Outstanding back court with brother Tom in 1960."
"I'm terribly sorry to hear of Bill's passing, he was much too young. I attended "St. Tommy's" with Bill and remember him as a nice, smart, confident young man. He was also a pretty good athlete playing on the basketball and baseball teams. I lost touch with Bill but somewhat recently saw him at Hoak's restaurant on Lake Erie in Hamburg, NY where we had a great conversation. My apologies to Bill's daughter who posted a Facebook message and I thought Bill's father had passed away. I'll keep Bill in my prayers although I don't think he needs them. Again my sincere condolences to Bill's family. PJ McNaughton"
"I attended St. Tommy's with Bill in 6th, 7th and 8th grades, and all four years at Canisius High School. I lived a few blocks away, on Woodside Avenue, and we would sometimes walk 3/4 miles to grammar school together. We made the trip 4 times a day, since we had to go home for lunch. I remember his sense of humor, and I sought him out at the 3 or 4 reunions that he was able to attend. My condolences to the family. May he rest in peace! Bill Murphy"
"We met Bill and Linda more than 30 years ago. It was not hard to think of them as family. Some of our most cherished memories are of time spent with them. We thank God for the beautiful friendship. Bill's obituary states he was a gentleman and a gentle man which is such a perfect description of him. Even if we didn't see him often anymore, we will miss him in our hearts. Our heartfelt sympathy to you, Linda, and the family. Love and Prayers to All of You, Bill and Mary Ann and Family "
"We are so very sad to hear this news.We have known Bill and Linda for many years and were very fortunate to see them on our trip to visit our son in Tempe. Our thoughts and prayers are with Linda and his family as they mourn the loss of their husband,father,and grandfather."
"I am blessed to have known Bill and his wife, Linda as parishioners, neighbors and game partners. He was a faith-filled servant of God through his kindness to everyone and support of his Catholic community. May he rest in peace and rise in glory. God seems to be taking all the "good" ones. "