Edward Joseph Walsh

Edward Joseph Walsh, 84, of Meadville, passed away Monday, August 5, 2019 at his residence.

He was born August 2, 1935 in Philadelphia, a son of the late Edward Joseph and Mary Loretta McGowan Walsh.  He married Kirsten Peterson December 2, 1978 and she survives.

Ed was a Veteran of the Korean War, serving in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956.  He received his B.S. degree from the New York State University of Education at Albany and his PhD from the University of New Hampshire.  To those who knew him, Ed seemed a force of nature, as thunderous in his opinions as he was radiant in his affection.  He was a brilliant chemist who published nationally acclaimed research throughout his professional life.  He also profoundly appreciated the arts, which he both collected and created.  He read literature voraciously, he studied religions faithfully, and he followed politics passionately.  In conversations that ranged from modern poetry to dog training, Ed always offered a welcome presence.

Ed taught chemistry at Allegheny College from 1964 to 1999, chairing the department for 10 years.  During that time, he trained dozens of professional scientists and inspired hundreds of other students, many of whom remained in touch with him for decades.  Friends laughed at his Irish sense of humor, enjoyed his blustery hospitality, and engaged with his deeply held beliefs.  For all his conviviality and Facebook opinions, however, his family knew him best.  Ed reserved his private dreams and deepest love for his family:  his wife, his daughters, his grandsons.  Among the many who have benefited from his legacy, they have gained the most.

Survivors, in addition to his loving wife Kirsten, include two daughters, Deidre Walsh of Maine and Siobhan Peterson-Walsh of Erie; two grandsons, Brendan and Colin; and two sisters, Loretta Walsh of Kalamazoo, MI and Patricia Edwards (George) of Doylestown, PA.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Peter Walsh.

A celebration of his life will be Sunday, August 18th at 4:00 p.m. at Allegheny College’s Ford Chapel, N. Main St., Meadville with the Rev. Jane Ellen Nickell, College Chaplain, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 444 Liberty St., Suite 1300, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

The arrangements have been entrusted to the ROBERT W. WAID FUNERAL HOME, 581 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE where memories and condolences may be shared at www.waidfuneralhome.net.