Kendall J. "Ken" Walsh

Kendall Walsh, 90, of Holyoke, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by the love of his family on Sept. 19, 2022, three days shy of his 91st birthday which he shared with his grandson LK.

Kendall was born on Sept. 23, 1931, in Holyoke. He is the son of the late Della (Underdorfel) and Patrick Francis Walsh.

He is predeceased by the love of his life Maureen (Morissette) whom he met at the age of 16 and they became high school sweethearts. In reference to how he got that extraordinary girl, he said, “I was good looking when I had to be.” They were happily married for 64 years. The couple lived in Holyoke, Colorado, Germany, South Hadley and back to Holyoke in the early 1960s, where they raised their 10 children.

Kendall was a product of Holyoke High School. He attended UMass Amherst and Westfield State College for bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate programs.

He joined the United States Air Force where he served in the 7050th Air Intelligence Service Wing Headquarters in Germany as an international master spy during the Korean War and the Hungarian Revolt. Before he retired as Captain, he -------------------- and -----------------------, then --------------------------- intrigue. Among his military honors he was awarded the commendation ribbon, at the time the highest non-combat award for exceptionally meritorious service.

He reveled in educating and connecting with students at Holyoke High School as an English teacher for 37 years. He was the Chairman of the English department in Holyoke. He was instrumental in the development and implementation of the Apartheid and Holocaust curriculums. He was a professor at UMass Amherst where he was a teacher of teachers.

He applied for and won the National Bellamy Award for Holyoke High School.

Kendall and his wife wrote the script, music and lyrics for the musical ‘Love Holyoke’ performed at Alumni field. It was a depiction of the history of Holyoke for the Centennial Celebration of the city.

He worked strategizing for many political campaigns. After retirement, he was Director of Public Relations for Holyoke Catholic High School.

Kendall was a devoted and loving father to Kendall Walsh II and the late Jan Walsh of Holyoke; Kevin and Kathleen Walsh of East Windsor, CT; Kally Walsh and David Hart of Holyoke; Karen and Justin Nealon of Chicopee; the late Kristen Walsh; Keith and Karen Walsh of Springfield; Kristopher and Deborah Walsh of Ludlow; Kirsten Walsh of Holyoke; Kyle Walsh and Gregory Mark of Ludlow; and Kara Walsh-Vey and John Vey of South Hadley. He adored his 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

UConn women’s basketball was his favorite team, but his favorite athletes to watch were his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren throughout the years.

A private burial will be held at Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam.

Kendall was brilliant, strong and kind. In lieu of flowers our family wishes that to honor him: be kind to one another, visit a neighbor, lend a helping hand to someone in need, call a friend you haven’t heard from in awhile, volunteer at a charity or in your community. His entire life was devoted to protecting children, his children, his grandchildren, his children’s friends, those in his community and around the world. His family was his pride and joy. He lived a life full of love and laughter. Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home in Holyoke is handling arrangements.

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