Walter “Buzz” Walsh, Jr. passed away January 24, 2007 in Gilroy after a brief illness. He was 95 years old. He is survived by his sister Bernice Kiser, sister-in-law Nancy Ciacco, nephews; J. Kenneth Kiser and Alfred Ciacco, niece Kathy and husband, Roger Santos, all of Gilroy. He also is survived by his loving care giver, Lilibeth Ang, as well as numerous other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Walsh.
Mr. Walsh was born in Gilroy, graduated from Gilroy High School, was class president in 1932, and served in the Army Air Force in WW II. He was trained at Sheppard Field and Buffalo as a aircraft mechanic. He was an avid pilot and owned his own plane for many years. He worked for the California State Division of Highways for over 30 years, as well as farming prunes with his brother-in law Frank Ciacco.
“Buzz” was a member of St. Mary’s Church, Gilroy Elks, Italian Catholic Federation Branch 28 and American Legion Las Animas Post 669. Walsh Peak in Coe Park was named in his honor.
Visitation will be Friday, January 26, 2007, 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Habing Family Funeral Home. Elks Services will be Saturday at 11:30 A.M. at the funeral home, then to St. Mary’s Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at noon. Entombment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Donations to St. Joseph’s Family Center in his memory are preferred and appreciated.
