Obituary of Kenneth Paul Walsh

Kenneth Paul Walsh (Ken) left his earthly body and returned to spirit-only form on Wednesday, July 6th, 2022.  He was surrounded with loved ones who prayed over him, and showered him with love and music.  The love in his room was palpable. He left his body peacefully and he received the Last Rites from a Franciscan priest. He got to say "I love you" to his loved ones and his loved ones had the opportunity to say it to him - many times.

He was born on January 1, 1943 in Queens, New York to the late Thomas and Lillian Walsh.  In addition to his parents, his brother Tommy and his son, Ryan Blake, predeceased him. 

Ken is survived by his wife, Susan and children Elizabeth, Margaret, Amy, Kenneth Jr. and Casey.  He is also survived by grandchildren Christopher, Dana, Timothy, Chloe and Aiden and many nieces and nephews as well as daughters-in-law Olivia and Shelly and sons-in-law Ahmed and Mike. 

In addition to loving his family and friends, Ken loved the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous. He became sober in 1976 and volunteered tirelessly in and for AA. Even the last meeting he attended he was there extra early to make the coffee.

His love of recovery led him to become an Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor. He worked in New York State facilities. His clients (many of whom had committed violent crimes) adored him and were grateful for a gentle father figure in their lives. 

Whether working with people recovering from drugs and alcohol in AA or a facility, there are countless people who attribute their sobriety and their very lives to Ken's guidance, patience, commitment and dedication.  

Ken was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. 

He was a giver with an open heart, quick to smile and make people laugh. He was known to help anyone out - anytime anywhere. 

He loved St. Francis of Assisi and the prayer of St. Francis, which was very important to him. 

Our deep love for him lives on.  His wings were ready but our hearts were not. We take solace knowing that he is happy, unencumbered, at peace and in the arms of God.

The family will receive friends at Walker's Funeral Home in Hillsborough, 204 North Churton Street, beginning at 2:00 PM with Rev. Loveland-Coen opening with prayer

The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Ken's name to Freedom House https://freedomhouserecovery.org/general-1-1 or the Alzheimer's Association.