Thomas A. Walsh, 88, former Mayor of Pittston, a resident for the past four years of the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center, Scranton, passed away Monday, August 13, 2012, at Regional Hospital of Scranton. His wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Bigan Walsh, passed away in 1996.
Born in Pittston, he was a son of the late Thomas and Mary Sweeney Walsh. Thomas was educated in the Pittston schools. He was an Army veteran, having served during WWII. Prior to retirement, he was employed as a consultant to the Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority and had also worked for Walsh Bros. Plumbing, Pittston. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church, Pittston. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and American Legion, both of Pittston, the VFW, and the Plumbers & Pipefitters Union.
Thomas served as the Mayor of Pittston for over four terms, from 1980 to 1998. The Pittston Tomato Festival began during his term. He also served for ten years on the Pittston City Council.
Thomas was a loving and devoted grandfather, great grandfather, brother and uncle, who will be dearly miss by all who loved him.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center for their compassionate care over the years.
Surviving is his Grandson, Joshua Walsh and wife, Keira, Pittston and two great granddaughters, Hayley Lewis and Ava Walsh; sister, Betty McAndrew, Carbondale; brother, John Walsh and wife, Josie, Berwick; several nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
In addition to his parents and his wife, Thomas was preceded in death by his son, Thomas R. Walsh, who passed away in 2005; three sisters, Joan Tigue, Marie Simmons, Jean Soska, and three brothers, Joseph, Frank and Jerry Walsh.
The funeral will be held Thursday, August 16, 2012, at 8: 45 AM from Baloga Funeral Home, Inc. 1201 Main St. Pittston, (Port Griffith), with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 AM in St. John the Evangelist Church, William St., Pittston. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Wednesday, August 15, 2012, from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., at the funeral home.
Military services will be conducted by the AMVETS Honor Guard Post 189, Greater Pittston.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Care and Concern Ministries of Saint John the Evangelist Parish Community, 35 William Street, Pittston, PA 18640.