Tributes

John (Sean) Brendan Walsh, devoted husband, father, Papa, and friend, went to his Heavenly Home on November 15, 2025. He was welcomed there by his mother and father (Nancy and James Walsh), and countless friends and family members. Sean is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Irene; children Erik and Sandra Walsh of San Antonio and their children Brendan and Claire; Mark and Sarah Walsh of Old Lyme, CT and their children Colleen, Kelly, and Kathleen; Brian and Cyndi Walsh of San Antonio and their children Rory and Ronan; and his brother and sister-in-law, James and Kay Walsh of Tralee, Ireland. Sean was born in Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland on May 24, 1941. On April 20, 1959, he moved to Waterbury, CT to live with his Aunt Mary and Uncle Mike, along with his cousins Alice and Anne. After a few years, Sean was drafted and joined the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey and Fort Eustis, Virginia. After the enlistment was up he moved back to Waterbury. As he tells the story, he walked into the local bar and saw the same guys as before. Knowing there was much more to do with his life, thirteen days later he joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Hamilton AFB, California. Fate transferred him to Randolph AFB, San Antonio in 1967. On December 2, 1967, he caught the eye of a pretty, but picky Señorita during a dance at the Lackland AFB NCO Club. To his luck, she allowed him to talk to her on a bench outside the club. In an attempt to make a strong first impression on their first date, he accidentally broke the window on her family’s front door when he knocked too hard. The rest of the date must have gone much better - perhaps he charmed her with his Irish brogue - as the two were wed four months later on April 20, 1968. Nine years to the day of his arrival to the U.S. After completing military service, Sean went to work for American Airlines and eventually found himself at Allstate Insurance, where he worked for 34 years. Sean was a trusted advisor and always maintained the highest level of customer service for his clients. He insured entire generations of families during his career. He moved his family to Garden Ridge in 1973, where he and Irene raised their three sons on Cinchona Trail. Lifelong friends were made on that street. As his children grew, he spent many hours at the soccer and football fields and enjoyed family vacations to Ireland, the Grand Canyon, New England, Florida and California. After retiring in 2002, Sean and Irene increased their traveling around the U.S. and overseas. They spent much time in Onset, Massachusetts where they rented a house in the fall months and invited friends and family to join them for weeks at a time. Sean was an incredible tour guide and always knew the best restaurant for a corned beef sandwich or plain, dry hamburger. To say he was a picky eater is a bit of an understatement. Despite living in Texas for 66 years and marrying into a large Hispanic family, he was never known to eat a tamale, enchilada, or any kind of taco other than a potato and egg taco with a slice of bacon! Breakfast food was his favorite, and he could survive on eggs, bacon, and a good cup of coffee at any time of day. In his spare time, Sean was an avid Weather Channel watcher and would often call family out of state to confirm the weather report - and would debate you if the Weather Channel got it wrong. He enjoyed discussing local politics with anyone willing to engage and offered family and friends the kind of thoughtful advice that only comes from years of quiet, thoughtful observation. Sean will be most remembered for his gentle nature, quiet strength, and deep love for his family. His thoughtfulness towards others showed in the small but meaningful ways he cared for the people around him—especially in the birthday and anniversary cards he faithfully sent to loved ones year after year. He lovingly embraced his role as “Papa” to his seven grandchildren. His pride in them was unmistakable, from the bumper stickers of their colleges proudly displayed on his car to the way he slipped them a bit of spending money for special occasions—or simply just because. He and Irene attended many soccer, football, basketball, volleyball, t-ball, and baseball games, as well as theater plays in support of their grandchildren. Services will be held at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church on Thursday, December 18, 2025. Rosary will commence at 10:30 am and Mass at 11:00am. A reception will be held after at the Parish Hall. Interment will be for family and close friends on Friday, December 19 at 1:30pm at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart at 85 N.E. Loop 410, Suite 413, San Antonio, Texas 78216 Even though we are heartbroken for our loss, we know Heaven gained an amazing man. We are filled with gratitude for the years we had with him, for the example he set, and the love that he shared with us all. May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sunshine warm upon your face, and the rain fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.

Tributes

John (Sean) Brendan Walsh

May 24, 1941 - November 15, 2025