William Thomas “Bill” Walsh, Sr., 88, of Port Charlotte, FL, formerly of Ledyard, Connecticut, passed away Saturday, July 2, 2016 at his Port Charlotte residence.

Bill was born April 9, 1928 in Mystic, Connecticut the son of the late Frederick and Ellen Walsh. He graduated from Billard Academy in New London, Connecticut and attended The Merchant Marine Academy in New York. He married Dolores Matteson, his devoted wife of 65 years on June 2, 1951.

Bill served in the U.S. Navy from 1948 to 1953 during the Korean War and was stationed aboard the USS Tusk. He sang and played drums for several bands including the Tom Pavone Group and the Cavaliers. He retired from Pfizer, Inc. in Groton, CT, after 35 years and moved to Port Charlotte, Florida. During his retirement, Bill enjoyed golfing, volunteer work at St. Joseph Hospital, and worked as a courier for United Courier. Bill was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church and member and 4th Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 5399.

In addition to his wife, Dolores, Bill is survived by a daughter, Linda (Roger) VanWey of Niantic, CT; and two sons, William T. Walsh, Jr. of Highland Mills, NY, and Robert (Cynthia) Walsh of Essex, CT and Ossipee, NH; five grandchildren, Kristen Beers, Allison Kilmer, Michael Walsh, Kelly Robinson, and Maryellen Milio; and twelve great grandchildren, Evan, Dylan, Lucas, and Natalie Beers; Liam, Emily and Olivia Kilmer; Nolan and Jameson Walsh; Caroline Milio; and Sebastian and Luciana Robinson.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for William at11:00 a.m. this Thursday, July 7, 2016 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Port Charlotte.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in William’s name to St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School, 21505 Augusta Avenue, Port Charlotte, FL 33952.

Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family. Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Homes & Crematory, Port Charlotte Chapel.