John Patrick Walsh age 86 died peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones at Norwalk Hospital, November 7, 2009. Born in Bridgeport, he was the son of Mary Ellen Lynch and Patrick Walsh. He was a resident of the North end of Bridgeport until his beloved wife, of 53 years, Virginia Marie Wagner Walsh, passed in 2005. He then moved to Norwalk to live with his daughter and son –in-law, Virginia and Lawrence Kaczmarek. He is loved and survived by his daughters Virginia and her husband Lawrence Kaczmarek of Norwalk, and Patricia L. Walsh of Sarasota FL, and his grandchildren  Ian Michael Ochman of Derby, Lindsay Ochman and Lauren Richards and her husband Christopher all residing in Norwalk. In addition to his wife he was predeceased by his sister and brother in law Mary and Peter Lubin. He will also be missed by his furry friends, Juneau, Roxy, Mr. Man, Boo and Butterscotch.  His children and grandchildren remember him most for his patience, optimism and willingness to inspire and support them in achieving their dreams and goals in life. He was a registered professional Engineer specializing in Metallurgy, graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Troy, NY).  Over the course of his life he worked as a Metallurgist, Manager and Consultant with Sikorsky Aircraft and Norden (both divisions of United Technologies), Remington Arms, Bridgeport Lycoming-Division of Avco and other manufacturing companies. He was an Instructor and Lecturer in Calculus, Advanced Mathematics and Engineering, at University of Bridgeport and Bridgeport Engineering Institute (a department of Fairfield University). He was instrumental in delivering a fully accredited engineering department to Fairfield University.  In his professional life he was accomplished in oral and written communications, organizational planning and human relations. He was a dedicated and loving father and husband. Active in his children's education as a member of the Diocese of Bridgeport Board of Education, Treasurer of the Home School Association and was his girl's softball team coach. He was an avid sports fan and enthusiastic supporter of the UConn Women's Basketball Team "Go Huskies" and a Yankee fan until the end.  He passed his love of learning to his daughters and grandchildren who looked to him always as a wise role model and mentor, always ready to answer a question or give advice. To his last days he never lost his intellectual curiosity or his 'gift of gab'. He was active in his community as a member of the Knights of Columbus and the United Fund of Eastern Fairfield County. He was a devoted husband who never wavered in his ability to provide for his wife and family and consistently expressed his love for them. In his wife's last years he was a tender and loving caregiver. No matter where he went he always made friends.  His ability to converse with total strangers who he saw as 'friends he just hadn't met yet', made him loved everywhere he went. Funeral services will be held Friday at 10:00 am in Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 545 Stratfield Road, Fairfield with a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in St. Michael's Cemetery, Stratford. Friends may call Thursday 2-4pm and 6-8pm in the Redgate-Hennessy Funeral Home, Main Street and Gorham Place, Trumbull. Those who so desire may make a contribution in his memory to Strays and Others, Inc. P.O. Box   473, New Canaan, CT 06840 or Wildlife in Crisis P.O. Box 1246, Weston, CT 06883. To send online condolences please visit www.redgatehennessy.com