October 22, 2014

In Memoriam: Edward J. Walsh, Jr. ’88 & ’95G; PC Athletics Hall of Fame member

Edward J. Walsh, Jr. ’88 & ’95G of Warwick, R.I., a two-sport student-athlete who was inducted into the College’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009, died on Aug. 13.

Mr. Walsh received his bachelor’s degree in education/history and his master’s degree in guidance and counselor education from PC. He was a history teacher and guidance counselor at Warwick Veterans Memorial High School for the past 25 years.

Known for his passion for sports and spirit of volunteerism, Mr. Walsh coached high school hockey, baseball, and golf at four schools. He was the assistant boys’ hockey coach at La Salle Academy in Providence for the past seven years. Mr. Walsh also was the head coach of the Warwick Veterans boys’ golf team and, in 1991, in his first year as head coach, he led the Toll Gate High School baseball team of Warwick to the state championship.

He also coached at his high school alma mater, Bishop Hendricken in Warwick, where he was an all-state first baseman, and in the Cranston Western Little League.

At PC, Mr. Walsh was a power-hitting first baseman who twice earned All-New England honors and went on to be drafted by the Chicago White Sox. He is the College’s career leader in home runs with 36 and ranks first with a .375 batting average. His .406 batting average in 1987 is the fifth-highest seasonal average in PC history.

Mr. Walsh also played for the Friars’ hockey team from 1984-87 as a goaltender.

Mr. Walsh was the husband of Karen Emma and the father of Cameron Walsh, Tyler Walsh, and Edward Walsh, III. He is also survived by two brothers, Larry Sample and Charles W. Sample, and two sisters, Christine Iadevaia and Mary-Ellen Jenkins.

His Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Mary’s Church, Cranston.