ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA

Reverend Joseph E. Walsh, Pastor Emeritus, Saint Francis De Sales Parish, Lenni, died of end stage congestive heart failure at Saint Francis Country House, Darby, on December 29, 2008.

Father Walsh was born on October 10, 1921, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is the son of the late James A. Walsh and the late Mary V. Ehresman. Father Walsh attended Saint John the Baptist Parochial School, Saint John High School, and Saint Joseph Preparatory High School, Philadelphia, before entering Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary.

Father Walsh was ordained on May 31, 1947, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia, by Most Reverend Hugh L. Lamb. Father Walsh served as Parochial Vicar, Saint Paul Parish, Philadelphia; Old Saint Mary's Parish, Philadelphia; Saint Catherine of Siena Parish, Reading; Saint Francis of Assisi Parish, Norristown; Saint Frances Cabrini Parish, Fairless Hills; Holy Martyrs Parish, Oreland; Saint Dominic Parish, Philadelphia; and Saint David Parish, Willow Grove. Father Walsh also served as Chaplain, Catholic Home, Marple and Sacred Heart Hospital, Norristown. In 1974, Father Walsh was appointed Pastor, Saint Francis De Sales Parish, Lenni, and was appointed Pastor Emeritus there in 1990.

The service of the Transfer of the Body will be held at Saint Francis De Sales Church, Lenni, on Saturday, January 3, 2009, at 9:00 AM followed by a viewing. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated by His Eminence Cardinal Justin Rigali at Saint Francis De Sales Church, Lenni, on Saturday, January 3, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. Assisting at the altar will be Reverend Monsignor Henry B. Degnan, Reverend Alexander Masluk, Reverend Monsignor Kenneth P. McAteer, Reverend Joseph T. Murphy, Reverend Monsignor Charles P. Vance, and Reverend Robert C. Vogan. Monsignor Vance will be the homilist.

Father Walsh is survived by his sister Cora (Richard) Burke, his brother-in-law Robert Darlington and nieces and nephews. Interment will be at Saint Francis De Sales Parish Cemetery, Lenni, Pennsylvania.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747