Thomas A. Walsh, 72, of Aberdeen, NJ, passed away at home surrounded by his family on February 21st, 2019. He was born on May 14th, 1946, son of the late Edward and Emily (Keane) Walsh, in New York City, NY. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Yorleny; his children, Emily (Kishore), Thomas …
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Thomas A. Walsh, 72, of Aberdeen, NJ, passed away at home surrounded by his family on February 21st, 2019.
He was born on May 14th, 1946, son of the late Edward and Emily (Keane) Walsh, in New York City, NY. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Yorleny; his children, Emily (Kishore), Thomas (Caren), Marie, and John, as well as his brother Eugene and his wife Mary.
Thomas was an English Literature teacher for 34 years at the LaGuardia High School of Music and Art in Manhattan. It was there that he met Yorleny, the love of his life, and where he forged a legendary lifelong friendship with fellow English teacher, Marvin Illman. A true family man, he retired early to spend time with his family, devoting time to coaching and guiding the academic, athletic, and creative pursuits of his children, as well as those of his nieces and nephews. He enjoyed traveling the world with his wife and family, and introducing family and friends to the joys of travel.
Thomas is predeceased by his brother, Francis and his wife, Ann, as well as his brother, Edward, and his wife, Patricia. He has left many happy memories with his loving wife and children, his nieces and nephews, friends and colleagues.
Private services will be held. As a practical and giving man, Thomas requested donations to be made to two of his favorite charities in lieu of flowers. Donations can be made in Thomas’ name to the Cheyenne River Indian Outreach for Children (www.crioutreach.org) and/or the St. Labre Indian School (www.stlabre.org).
For messages of condolence please visit Thomas’ page of tributes at www.holmdelfuneralhome.com.
Maurice Lee
left a message on October 29, 2021:
I was so inspired by Thomas A. Walsh that I thought I would look him up to thank him for believing in me. He did so in the most compassionate and silent way. You see, I sat at the front of his english class at LaGuardia High School (I was matriculated between 1993-1997). I watched in awe, as he would read from classic novels such as the portrait of Dorian Gray, which I believe was one of his favorites novels. Like his good friend Mr. Illman, Mr. Walsh would read in character for the duration of the class, much like a highly accomplished Broadway actor. The drama majors in the class were eager to perform with him EVERYDAY! It was as entertaining as it was intense. Sometimes, I didn't want class to end! We enjoyed him for both his professionalism and his ability to transform himself into something none of us would expect from him, partly because he presided over the class like a college professor would. It was beyond memorable.... What’s ironic is that I was not a good writer then, but somehow in his class my ambition peaked and all of a sudden, deep inside, I really wanted to become a better writer. Mr. Walsh knew this! And, the way he approached me and my mediocre grades on essays were with the compassion. The type of compassion that one could only get from a teacher who had insight into what the individual in front of him could become. He saw me and knew that I would be a much better writer in the future and he was right!!! I was looking him up online to try and locate him and thank him. I was shocked to discover he had passed on. I'm forever appreciative of his dedication and compassion and I hope that his wife and family get a chance to read this, because I want them to know that he was amazing and that this young aspiring artist from Harlem was transfixed by their wonderful husband and father, and that he has left a profound impact on me and many others who entered his classroom. One person CAN make a world of difference. Thank you Mr. Thomas A. Walsh. Well done sir, well done....
Teri Schick
left a message on September 5, 2019:
I was very sad to hear of Mr. Walsh’s passing. He was my AP English teacher at the High School of Music & Art, 1976-77. He was a kind person and a wonderful, passionate teacher. Over the years, I’ve forgotten many teachers, but never Mr. Walsh. My condolences to his wife and my classmate, Yorleny, and to his entire family.DL
Ellen M Keaton-Gholizadeh
left a message on September 4, 2019:
My Greatest Sympathy to his beautiful wife - my high school friend Yorleny, his children, family, and friends on the passing of dear Mr. Walsh who was my favorite teacher. I searched for both him and Yorleny for years, and just received news of his passing from another classmate from the high school of Music & Art. I was so happy to hear that Mr. Walsh married Yorleny. I knew how much she loved him from the beginning , and also had a hand in bringing them together. What a wonderful and great love story; brought me to tears just reading about it.
Again sending my condolences at the loss of such a great man! May you rest in eternal peace. And may God grant your loved ones patience and strength during these difficult times...
Ellen (Iman) Keaton-Gholizadeh
David Alaverdian
left a message on June 3, 2019:
Mr. Walsh was an English teacher of mine during my LaGuardia High School years 1997-2001. I was fortunate in having him twice (freshman and junior years). I will never forget how inspiring the man was. At the same time, he was a serious individual. His lectures never lacked originality, his interpretations of celebrated plays and novel works were deeply philosophical. I can still recall his voice as well as some of the things he said about life. He was the best English teacher I have ever had. I also know quite a few people who enjoyed his classes and felt tremendous impact of his mentorship on their lives.
Mr. Walsh, you will always live in my heart. I hope you Rest In Peace. One day I will get to see you again!
Mercedes Maldonado
left a message on February 27, 2019:
My deepest sympathy to the entire family for your loss. During this time of great sorrow and pain, may it be a source of inner strength to know that there’s a loving God watching over you and that throughout this time of need, He’ll stay close by your side. May the words of Matthew 5:4 “ Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” bring the entire family comfort and strength. Please accept my sincere condolences.
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Maurice Lee
left a message on October 29, 2021:
I was so inspired by Thomas A. Walsh that I thought I would look him up to thank him for believing in me. He did so in the most compassionate and silent way. You see, I sat at the front of his english class at LaGuardia High School (I was matriculated between 1993-1997). I watched in awe, as he would read from classic novels such as the portrait of Dorian Gray, which I believe was one of his favorites novels. Like his good friend Mr. Illman, Mr. Walsh would read in character for the duration of the class, much like a highly accomplished Broadway actor. The drama majors in the class were eager to perform with him EVERYDAY! It was as entertaining as it was intense. Sometimes, I didn't want class to end! We enjoyed him for both his professionalism and his ability to transform himself into something none of us would expect from him, partly because he presided over the class like a college professor would. It was beyond memorable.... What’s ironic is that I was not a good writer then, but somehow in his class my ambition peaked and all of a sudden, deep inside, I really wanted to become a better writer. Mr. Walsh knew this! And, the way he approached me and my mediocre grades on essays were with the compassion. The type of compassion that one could only get from a teacher who had insight into what the individual in front of him could become. He saw me and knew that I would be a much better writer in the future and he was right!!! I was looking him up online to try and locate him and thank him. I was shocked to discover he had passed on. I'm forever appreciative of his dedication and compassion and I hope that his wife and family get a chance to read this, because I want them to know that he was amazing and that this young aspiring artist from Harlem was transfixed by their wonderful husband and father, and that he has left a profound impact on me and many others who entered his classroom. One person CAN make a world of difference. Thank you Mr. Thomas A. Walsh. Well done sir, well done....
Teri Schick
left a message on September 5, 2019:
I was very sad to hear of Mr. Walsh’s passing. He was my AP English teacher at the High School of Music & Art, 1976-77. He was a kind person and a wonderful, passionate teacher. Over the years, I’ve forgotten many teachers, but never Mr. Walsh. My condolences to his wife and my classmate, Yorleny, and to his entire family.DL
Ellen M Keaton-Gholizadeh
left a message on September 4, 2019:
My Greatest Sympathy to his beautiful wife - my high school friend Yorleny, his children, family, and friends on the passing of dear Mr. Walsh who was my favorite teacher. I searched for both him and Yorleny for years, and just received news of his passing from another classmate from the high school of Music & Art. I was so happy to hear that Mr. Walsh married Yorleny. I knew how much she loved him from the beginning , and also had a hand in bringing them together. What a wonderful and great love story; brought me to tears just reading about it.
Again sending my condolences at the loss of such a great man! May you rest in eternal peace. And may God grant your loved ones patience and strength during these difficult times...
Ellen (Iman) Keaton-Gholizadeh
David Alaverdian
left a message on June 3, 2019:
Mr. Walsh was an English teacher of mine during my LaGuardia High School years 1997-2001. I was fortunate in having him twice (freshman and junior years). I will never forget how inspiring the man was. At the same time, he was a serious individual. His lectures never lacked originality, his interpretations of celebrated plays and novel works were deeply philosophical. I can still recall his voice as well as some of the things he said about life. He was the best English teacher I have ever had. I also know quite a few people who enjoyed his classes and felt tremendous impact of his mentorship on their lives.
Mr. Walsh, you will always live in my heart. I hope you Rest In Peace. One day I will get to see you again!
Mercedes Maldonado
left a message on February 27, 2019:
My deepest sympathy to the entire family for your loss. During this time of great sorrow and pain, may it be a source of inner strength to know that there’s a loving God watching over you and that throughout this time of need, He’ll stay close by your side. May the words of Matthew 5:4 “ Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” bring the entire family comfort and strength. Please accept my sincere condolences.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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