Obituaries

Donald F. Walsh

09/16/1963 - 11/29/2022

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Obituary For Donald F. Walsh

Donald F. Walsh III (59) of Halifax, formerly of Rockland, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones on Tuesday, November 29, 2022. Beloved Husband, Father, Brother, Son, Grampy, and Friend. Don was born on September 16, 1963 in Boston, MA. He was raised in Rockland, attended Rockland High School, and continued his education at Boston State College. Don is survived by his loving wife, Jennifer A. Draicchio-Walsh, and his seven children, Matthew J. Walsh and his Fiance Ashton, Alicia D. Walsh and her Fiance Bryan, Nicole E. Shairs and her Husband Jordan, James M. Walsh, Joseph T. Draicchio and his Wife Morgan, Natalie E. Draicchio, and Lauren E. Draicchio. Loving Grandfather Lila F. Shairs, Julian K. Shairs, Scarlett J. Shairs, Jakob Z. Syrett, Colin E. Syrett, and Regan J. Syrett. Beloved Son of Toni Walsh of Frisco, TX and predeceased by his father Donald F. Walsh Jr. of Rockland, MA. Loving brother to Patricia A.Thorpe of Frisco, TX, Karen A. Borden of Sagamore Beach, MA and Anthony J. Walsh of Frisco, TX. Don was an avid Boston sports fan, life-long Eagle Scout, and a friend to everyone he met. He was an active member of the Rockland community, having volunteered at the Rockland Teen Center and dedicating 30 years of service to Rockland Town League Basketball. He devoted his career to working for the New England Patriots Organization and the Kraft family, giving him the privilege of attending multiple super bowls and showing off 3 rings with pride to all. On a hot Summer day, he enjoyed an ice-cold glass of Sam’s Seasonal, a Sporky pizza, and a “bustah” bar for dessert. He expressed his love to his grandchildren through elevator hugs, dressing up as Santa on Christmas Eve, and always sneaking them a sweet treat. He was their ultimate “buddy”. To Don his children were his world, embodying all aspects of a great father. He was their voice of reason, a bear hug on a hard day, and a well-placed joke when you needed it, or didn't. Most importantly, there was nothing he loved more than his beautiful Bride and the memories they shared for seventeen years. The love they cherished was rare to find, an undeniable connection. They truly were best friends. They spent their time traveling to over 30 of their favorite destinations but they both agreed there was no place like home, together. They enjoyed the simple moments like sipping coffee on the porch, attending weekly movie nights and relaxing in the hot tub. They never missed a chance to say “I LIVE you” (and no that is not a typo). They carried each other through life and every kiss was “the best damn fish kiss they ever had”. Don’s wake will be held at Magoun Biggins Funeral Home in Rockland, MA on Sunday December 4, 2022 from 4-7pm. Funeral Service will be held on Monday, December 5,2022 at 11:00 am at The Fellowship Church located at 604 Foundry Street South Easton, MA 02375. Celebration of Life to follow at The Canoe Club in West Bridgewater, MA. In lieu of flowers, the Draicchio-Walsh family is asking for donations to be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation in Don’s memory.

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Condolences

  • 12/10/2022

    My sincere condolences and deepest sympathies. Don was a great person and will always remember working together at IFP. I was shocked to hear of his untimely passing and offer my prayers for Don and his family. God Bless.

  • 12/06/2022

    It was a great honor to care for you and your family! I feel privileged to be a part of your health journey and will cherish the life lessons you taught me. I will always remember you when I officiate games. I hope you get to do the big leagues up there in heaven! No doubt your love and values live on in your family!

  • 12/05/2022

    To Jen and the entire Walsh Family, I had the pleasure of attending the service for Don and I want to say that you all did a wonderful job of memorializing him and his memory. Jen you are by far one of the strongest woman that I have ever met as I have been in your shoes and I did not do nearly as well as you. You are a very special lady just as Donny was a special guy. May you always find peace and comfort in the wonderful memories that you created together. My sincerest wishes for the blessings of the Lord to be upon you.

  • 12/05/2022

    Our sincerest condolenced for your loss. First met Donnie when he coached town league basketball. Always spoke his mind, so we talked, argued,and became friends. Always glad to run into him, he will be missed.

  • 12/04/2022

    You will be missed Don - a gentle and kind spirit above all else. My condolences to the Walsh Family. Matt Hart and Dell Technologies

  • 12/03/2022

    Don was an exceptional partner to work with a few years back when I supported the Kraft Group for Verizon. We joked when he had to call on weekends & during time sensitive events. He loved to talk about his family & was so proud in doing so. A true gentleman. My sincere condolences to the Walsh family.

  • 12/02/2022

    I worked with Don when we were teens, and he was such a good person. Such a huge loss for a beautiful family. Don was one of the good ones...taken too soon. May beautiful memories carry you through your time of sorrow. Paula Cardullo

  • 12/02/2022

    Matt, Alicia, and James I am so incredibly sorry to hear about your Dad. His love will live forever in all of you.

  • 12/02/2022

    To Matt, Alicia and James and Don's extended family, My most heartfelt condolences and prayers. This is a very difficult time for all of you. Please know that I am here for you to support you and love you. Joyce

  • 12/02/2022

    I lived just up the street from Don and his family. He lived across the street from my cousin's (McCarthy). Although I didn't get to know him growing up, this is a great tribute to celebrate his life. Taken way too soon. RIP Don.

  • 12/01/2022

    To the Walsh family...We send our prayers, regards, love, and peace to you all. We knew Donnie through basketball and Adiza's relationship with Natalie. Adiza spoke so highly of the love and commitment your family has with all that come in contact with your beautiful family. Jenn, having also lost A remarkable husband, my heart understands your sorrow. You have been so strong through his illness. Know that he was fortunate to have shared your love for all these years. May love surround you and your family through this difficult time. God bless. Paula Gilbrook and family, especially Adiza Alasa ❤🙏🏀

  • 12/01/2022

    I'm so sorry for your loss, Matty and family. Thinking of you all, sending hugs. ❤️ Kelly Gavin

  • 12/01/2022

    You will be missed Chickie/Cupcake. You were an amazing man, rest in sweet peace🙏🏼❤️

  • 12/01/2022

    I knew Donny from the stadium and he was always the go-to guy that would get us anything we needed. Great guy and will be greatly missed. So sorry for his family, huge loss for everyone.

  • 12/01/2022

    My heartfelt condolences to Don's family. My husband and I went to school with Donny. He was such a nice person and a true testament to living life to the fullest. Joe and Diane Morrissey 🙏🏻

  • 12/01/2022

    Tom and I send all our love and condolences to your beautiful family . Every memory I have of Donny brings a smile . May he rest in the sweetest peace .

  • 12/01/2022

    To say he always had our backs was a true testament to the man he was. His attention to detail and dedication to our organization and those he supported on a daily basis was instrumental and has set the standard for our department. Forget what your role was from 9-5 daily, during a stadium event Donnie was "The Boss" and we all took direction from him. He welcomed me into the organization several years ago and we quickly became friends. Hearing about the joy and love he had for his family was heartfelt and truly inspirational. My sincere condolences to Jen and the entire Walsh family.

  • 12/01/2022

    Donny was a good man. I am so sad, gone way too soon, Rest in peace Sir. Leo Buckley

  • 12/01/2022

    My deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Walsh Family. Don was truly a friend to all. One of my favorite human beings. Don and I did business together for many years, but we quickly became friends. He raved about his wife, family and his beloved grandkids all the time. He was so proud! We talked music (his extreme love for Aerosmith) and concerts on a regular basis. He would even text me or call me on o his way to and from work occasionally with cranking music from his car stereo saying, " Remember this song? I love this song!" He always expressed his appreciation and gratitude for his career and the many Superbowl trips. He was extremely generous to share the rings with many people for photo opportunities giving them a bucket list moment. We shared a lot of laughs on the golf course and making beer as well. He always had a lot of great stories. They always had the same theme, the theme of gratitude and appreciation and love of his family and friendships. I will forever remember Don in the most positive light. May he rest in eternal peace. -Jim Lacaillade

  • 12/01/2022

    Jen, I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for your peace and sending love to you and your family. God Bless. Kelly (Rogers) Ellis

  • 12/01/2022

    So sorry for your loss Walsh family. Donny was the kindest soul. Rest In Peace .

  • 12/01/2022

    Donny, we started as young childhood friends playing in the sprinkler or playing pickle during the summer days on Grove Street and remained friends all these years. Your friendship will never be forgotten. From childhood friends to our teenage years (thank you for helping me learn how to drive in your cameo) Not only were you my friend you were a close friend to my family and extended family. You were at every family gathering in New Hampshire or at Aunties cookouts in Hanson. You, Jen, and children were considered a member of our family. Your compassion and support during my cousin's serious illness will never be forgotten. Your compassion was part of who you were. Your volunteer work with the Rockland youth or just remembering to ask how my mom and Auntie were doing validates the kindness. To all of Donny's family my condolences to all of you. It was obvious you were the live/love of each other. You have many beautiful memory's may they help you through this difficult time. Oh, and I will always be thankful for you letting me be one of those that you showed off the super bowl rings to! Someday when I have the chance to see them play in person, I will be thinking of you! Kim Campbell and Family

  • 12/01/2022

    I am so sorry for your loss .I work with him at Gillette .I work at the Broadcast Booth at Patriots Game . It was great to see his smiling face . Scott Augustine

  • 12/01/2022

    Donny, I'm in total shock when going thru this n reading this. I remember all the years of basketball with you Frankie Philip Andrew Matty James n Alicia n going to all the travel league games n pizza n all the fun we all had together many years ago. I remember you taking my Andrew to his first Celtics game n he will never forget it n you refer with n coaching with Kenny n all the basketball games way back in the days when our kids were young Couldnt tear Jenna n Alicia apart from all those sat basketball games. I remember you running to me when you thought Patrick when he was 8 years old almost kidnapped on plain st saying "Our Patrick " n you were always there making sure things were ok even thou you had 3 of your own!! Thrn you met this spectualar stunning woman Jennifer n your life changed n became bigger than life n her 4 kids meant everything to you I remember how happy you were to have found your soul mate n this beautiful soul inside n out. You said I will always remember " Andrea how could I possibly get someone as wonderful n be so lucky 🍀 I said cause you deserve each other. She is amazing n you were an amazing friend for many years before that when our kids were real young" spent many of a Saturday with you n your 3 kids Matty Alicia n James n thrn you had 4 more than you adored n they worshipped you n thrn grandkids. You had this amazing loving life n my heart is broken for you n for Jenn. You guys were amazing together this amazing blended fam that all loved each other so much n perfect fit n I never got to tell you how lucky 🍀 n how much you deserved all of that. You were an amazing friend for many a years ago n I'm so saddened with a heavy heart as Philip Andrew Jenna n Patrick are! May you rest in eternal peace n may god watch over your girls boys grandchildren n especially your beautiful soulmate jenn. You guy always gave me hope that I would find my soulmate I am n have no words just tears of sadness on this day today as I just found out about your passing. You were a power of example Donny Walsh n loved by many n I'm so speechless. I'm so happy you were so happy with your Beautiful blended family that made it just one! Forever you are missed n loved 🥰 always. Andrea

  • 12/01/2022

    Donnie was a classmate and friend, a true New England Patriots. My condolences go out to his family. May his legacy live on Amen 🙏

  • 11/30/2022

    To the Walsh Family: I'm sorry to hear of the passing of a great Husband, Father, Brother and Grandfather. To me he was Coach Walsh my Town League Coach. I wasn't the best Basketball player. But he coached me like every other kid on the team. Ken Westburg was his Assistant Coach, he was also a great person. Don always had a smile on his face and he loved the Patriots and the Kraft Family. I got to wear Dons Super Bowl Rings in the Summer of 2022 when I went to the open stadium practice. Even though he loved the Patriots he loved his family even more. He will be missed and he will always be a Rockland Bulldog. Rest in Peace Coach Walsh.

  • 11/30/2022

    I am so sorry for your loss. He was a super nice person. My condolences and Prayerd to you and your family.

  • 11/30/2022

    I am so sad and offer my deepest condolences to the family and everyone who loved Don. He was truly a wonderful person for all the reasons listed in his obituary as well as simply being a good friend to everyone he knew. Always a smile, always a kind word, and always a great memory of our younger years.

  • 11/30/2022

    to the Walsh Family im sorry for you loss Mr. Walsh was my town League Basketball Coach he all ways wanted his Players to give it there all no matter what weather it was in a. game or at Practice . he will be Missed may he Rest in Peace .

  • 11/30/2022

    Jen and family, My heart breaks for you. It's rare to find love and the kind of relationship that you shared with Donny. I hope the memories help somewhat to ease the pain. Love you and always here for you! Katie Lane-Avallone

  • 11/30/2022

    Jen Alicia James and matthew... Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are so sorry for your loss. Michael and Gerry and the entire page's family.

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