John "Jack" Bernard Walsh Jr.

As you are aware from the earlier notice, we were deeply saddened yesterday to learn that Jack Walsh, one of our original 20-year owners and neighbor in Lake Augusta III, had passed away Tuesday, Jan. 14. He died of complications from congestive heart disease. A Mass will be held in his memory at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 24, at Our Lady of Light Catholic Church, 19680 Cypress View Dr., Estero. A luncheon will follow at the church. Jack and his wife, Gail, had moved to American House at Coconut Point in Estero after both suffered falls and needed the facilities of a rehab center last fall. They later decided to make their home there in an assisted living suite. In December Jack was hospitalized briefly on two occasions and last Friday was taken to Gulf Coast Hospital, where he passed away three days later. In addition to Gail, he is survived by his son, John Walsh of New England, daughters Carol and Laurie Walsh, both of Maine, Barbara Hawkes and her husband, Bob who live at Breckenridge, and 13-year-old twin grandchildren, Katherine and Kevin Hawkes. Jack graduated from the University of Connecticut and Boston College Law School and served in the U.S. Army in Europe. In his early career Jack was an attorney who was elected to three terms on the Norwalk, Ct., City Council. He also served one year as council president and later as city treasurer in 1970. Before his retirement, he was associated with Travelers Insurance Co. for 26 years, using his legal expertise in areas of mediation, arbitration and claims settlement. During his tenure with Travelers, he moved to Maine from his native Connecticut. When the Lake Augusta III Condo Association was formed in January 2003, Jack served on its first board of directors and later assisted the Master Board when insurance expertise was needed. Jack was a loyal fan of the New England Patriots NFL team and Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox. And at Breckenridge he was a heavy hitter on the water volleyball team for two decades. Proud of his Irish heritage, he rode aboard the Boston College trolley annually in the Naples St. Patrick’s Day parade. But he endured plenty of good-natured teasing from his friends and particularly his volleyball buddies when he announced that he had looked up his Irish heritage while in Ireland only to discover he was a descendant of savage Vikings. To prove it he wore a metal hat with fierce-looking Viking horns to volleyball once each winter. He was personable, engaging great conversationalist always eager to hear from family and friends. His keen mind, hearty laugh and unending sense of humor will be missed by all who knew Big Jack. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home.

John "Jack" Bernard Walsh Jr.

December 6, 1932 - January 14, 2020