Richard ‘Rick’ Walsh

He is survived by his three children, Ryan (Katie), Molly (RJ) and Brendan (Amber); his four grandchildren, Kaelynn, Declan, Calan and Norah; his siblings, Tom, Sally, Chuck, Patsy, Marianne and Martin; and his large extended family he loved very much.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 43 years, Debbie; and his parents, John and Ruth Ellen Walsh.

He grew up in the unincorporated zinc factory town of Spelter, West Virginia, in Harrison County, where he and Debbie started their own family.

Later, they moved to Elkins, where he worked in the Randolph County School District, helping students with special needs as an aid in the classroom and on the school bus until his retirement. In 2021, he and Debbie moved from their long-time home to live in the country and be near their daughter’s family next to Coopers Rock State Forest.

A sharp wit and colorful storyteller, Rick was a lifelong keeper of the Irish tradition of craic and would banter with anyone. To his last day, he was ready with a joke, riddle, or anecdote to share. His grandchildren were dear to him, and he loved spending time with them, especially playing card games and sharing puns.

He was a skilled woodworker, who made countless old-fashioned wooden toys and games for his children. He was creative and handy, which led to many DIY projects around the house and homemade gifts for his family. Rick had an unwavering love for classic Volkswagens. He drove and tinkered on several Beetles, Buses, Campers and Vanagons over the years. He enjoyed going to concerts, particularly several years of flocking with fellow Parrot Heads to see Jimmy Buffett, as well as many times seeing John Prine perform. He was also passionate about baseball. Though he was raised a Pirates fan and loved Roberto Clemente, he became a devoted Atlanta Braves fan in the 1980s because he could watch all of their games on TBS; he was rewarded with rooting for a winning team for most of the rest of his life.

Rick was a beloved brother, husband, dad, “poppy” and friend.

Friends may join the family to honor Rick’s life and legacy at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, 19 Jo Glenn Dr., Morgantown (Cheat Lake), on Monday, Dec. 29, from 10 a.m. until the celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m.

Father Binu Emmanuel, C.S.T., will celebrate the Funeral Mass. Green burial will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Penn Forest Natural Burial Park at 121 Colorado St., Verona, PA 15147.

Those attending the committal service at the cemetery are asked to gather there by 2:20 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Doctors Without Borders: give.doctorswithoutborders.org P.O. Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741 in memory of Rick Walsh.

Smith Funeral & Cremation Care of Westover, 304-292-9494, is providing compassionate professional services to the family and condolences may be offered at www.smithfcc.com.