John Walsh

John J (Jack) Walsh passed away, fittingly, on Father's Day, June 17, 2018, at his daughter's home, surrounded by his family. Jack was born in Somerville, MA, the eighth often children. He married the love of his life, Rosemarie (Wackrow) of Somerville, in 1955. In the late 1960's, Jack moved his family to Ft. Wayne, IN, to take a job as a VP at North American Van Lines. After making a remarkable life and many dear friends, Jack moved to Scottsdale, AZ and in 1983 he opened his own transportation company, US Express. He embraced life in Arizona, playing golf year round and wearing cowboy boots, no matter the blisters. After his wife passed in 2012, Jack made Casa del Rio Senior Living in Peoria his home. He earned the love and respect of countless residents. He was fondly called Romeo by many of his friends because of the respectful and caring way he had with his female friends, often driving them to doctor's appointments, beauty salon and errands. The staff at Casa loved him, and his love for them was tenfold. He entertained his dining partners with stories of his childhood and jokes without punch lines. His greatest gift to others was his sense of humor and ability to laugh at himself-Our dad bravely fought cancer with a quiet dignity, never giving up hope, and never once complaining or indulging in self-pity. Not once. He drew on his profound Catholic faith to see him through. And so on Sunday morning as the Catholic TV channel was showing Mass, Dad drew his last breath as the priest served communion, preferring instead to receive his in Heaven. Jack (Joe to his brothers, sisters, and Boston friends) is survived by his daughter, Debra Miller (Richard), son, John Jr. (Jessica Shaw), grandchildren Dr. Melissa Miller, Justin Miller, Shanice Shaw-Walsh and Xander Shaw-Walsh, brothers, Paul Walsh (Bunny) of Medford, MA, David Walsh of New Hampshire, sisters, Ann McCusker (Bob), and Claire Hanlon (Al). His beloved niece, Sherry Walsh, and her husband, Ted, reside in Surprise, AZ. There are numerous other nieces and nephews, mostly in the Boston area, that fondly remember their Uncle Joe. A funeral mass will be held at St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church, 15800 N. Del Webb Blvd., Sun City 85351 at 10 A.M., Monday, June 25, 2018. A reception will follow at Casa del Rio Senior Living, 12751 N. Plaza del Rio Blvd., Peoria, 85351. Interment will be at 2 P.M. Monday afternoon at Holy Redeemer Cemetery, 23015 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, 85024. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014 or to your local animal shelter.