William F. "Bill" Walsh, Sr.

It’s with sad and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of William F. "Bill" Walsh, Sr. He died peacefully on Monday, May 4 th, surrounded by his beloved wife of 62 years and his three beloved children.

Bill was born on January 19, 1945, in Boca Raton, FL, to John and Dorothy Walsh. After his father served in WWII, they moved back to Fitchburg, MA. He was the eldest of twelve children, all of whom, together with his parents, held a special place in his heart. He graduated with a Master's in Public Administration from Fitchburg State after enjoying his time playing football, basketball, and baseball at St. Bernard's High School. Bill had a distinguished 35-year career in education and retired as the Vice Principal and Athletic Director of Westborough High School.

Bill was a faithful servant who supported his family and community with unyielding devotion and dedication. In each capacity … as a son, brother, husband, father, and mindful community member, Bill gave of himself, left an impression, and touched many lives. He was the first baseball coach at Franklin Pierce University and spent 15 years as a Babe Ruth League baseball coach in Fitchburg. Bill volunteered his time as a member of the Fitchburg School Committee and served as Chairman. He volunteered countless hours as a member of the Fitchburg East Rotary, was a two-time President, and received the Paul Harris Award. Similarly, he was the President of the Fitchburg Senior Center. He was also the President of the Board of Montachusett Home Health Care. Bill was a founding member of the Fitchburg Waste Water Treatment Facility Commission, a member of the Planning Committee for Elderly Housing, and a Board Member of the Goodrich Alternative School. In 1981, he was awarded the honor of being recognized within the Outstanding Young Men of America Program.

Most importantly, Bill was a good man whose life was guided by his unwavering ethics and principles, which he also applied in the unofficial service to his family and community. Over the years, Bill was involved in the planning and execution of countless community events, fundraisers, and initiatives. He was well-loved by his family and friends and returned that love in equal measure ... almost equal to his love of all things sport-related.

Bill is survived by his wife Diane (Doucette), daughter Karen Howard and her husband Ed, son Bill and his wife Christen, and son Sean and his wife Melissa. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren, Andrew Warren and his wife Renee, Brad Warren, Ryan Walsh and his wife Lindsay, Shane Walsh and Hanna, Aiden, and Liam Walsh. Bill also enjoyed his great-grandchildren, Abigail and Emma Warren. In his extended family, he is survived by his brother John and wife Pam, sisters Mary and her husband Bill Gaa, Carol and her husband Dennis Isabel, Dottie, and Kathy. 

He was predeceased by his sister Norma Meehan and brothers Joey, Michael, TJ, Frankie, and David.

The Rotary Club has chosen to honor Bill with a scholarship fund in his name. The family would ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Fitchburg Rotary East Club.

Calling Hours will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026, from 4 – 7 pm at Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg. The Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026,  at 9 am at St. Bernard Parish on Mechanic Street in Fitchburg.

Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg, is directing arrangements.