Richard W. Walsh

Richard William Walsh, 71, passed away at home Wednesday, December 18, 2024 after battling pancreatic cancer. Rick was born on December 21, 1952 in Hartford CT, the first child of William T. Walsh Jr., and Theresa (Skinner) Walsh. He grew up in Windsor CT, and attended the St. Thomas Seminary, graduating in 1971.He earned associates degrees from MCC and STCC and his bachelor’s from CCSU. He married his wife Susan in 1974, and recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They made their home in Colrain, Massachusetts.

Firefighting was an integral part of Rick’s life. He followed in the family tradition of firefighting and served as a volunteer firefighter with the Windsor, CT Fire Department for 24 years. Inspired by his grandfather who was a fire chief and fire marshal in Bloomfield, CT, and encouraged by the late Windsor Fire Marshal George Kennedy, Rick worked toward becoming a Fire Marshal. He started as a deputy for retired Fire Marshal Ray Walker and then served as Fire Marshal for the Town of Newington, CT. He was very proud of his service to the community and was involved in the Firehawks program and the fire safety trailer. After moving to MA in the 1990s, Rick joined the Colrain Volunteer Fire Department as a firefighter for over 20 years.

He ended his work career as a custodian and water operator in the Vermont public schools.

Rick is survived by his wife Susan, and daughters Amanda (Eli) and Rebecca (Tyler) as well as grandsons, Brantz and Kaleb. He is also survived by his siblings, Dennis (Sheila) Walsh of Northwood, NH, Mark (Ruth) Walsh of South Portland ME, Maryann Walsh Lacouture (Mike) and Kevin (Jeanne) Walsh of Windsor, CT, and brother-in-law Michael (Jan) Sosnicki, along with many relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, and mother and father-in-law, Victoria and Julius Sosnicki.

There will be no calling hours and burial will be private. A celebration of life will be held at a later date and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pioneer Valley Hospice, your local fire department, or the Lustgarten Foundation for pancreatic cancer research (lustgarten.org).

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