TommydiedathomeinNewJersey butreturnedtotownregularly
TOMMY Walker, who passed away peacefully at home in America, was originally from Dundalk, and never lost his love of the town.
He died on 18 July, 2017, in Jamesburg, New Jersey, surrounded by his family.
Aged 79, he was the oldest of eight children of Johnny and Mary (Minnie, nee McBride) Walker, Bridge Street, Dundalk; and all of his siblings survive him.
Tommy was educated locally in the Marist primary and secondary schools; and at the age of 23, he emigrated to America.
Before leaving Dundalk, he went out with Briege Grant, from Dublin Street. He returned to Ireland to get married to Briege on 22 January, 1964 in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dundalk; and they then left for a life together in the States, living first of all in Jackson Heights, Queens, New York.
Tommy began working in the mailroom of a Wall Street firm, and while working full-time also began pursuing a degree in accounting in Baruch College in New York.
He completed his education, attending Rutgers University, and graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 1980.
He continued his career as an accountant with New Jersey Transit until his retirement in 2004.
Tommy and Briege had two daughters, Pat and Kathleen. A great family man, he delighted in the subsequent arrival of grandchildren, and adored being in the company of his family.
Outside home and professional life, he was an active member of the St. James the Less parish, and was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.
He played golf, and enjoyed watching any kind of sport, such as college football and basketball. He followed New York teams the Knicks, Giants and Yankees.
Tommy and Briege came home to Dundalk at least twice a year, and he would time his visits for the Six Nations games, as he was a big fan of rugby.
On these trips, he loved travelling to Dublin and going to Oriel Park, as he listened to Dundalk games on Dundalk FM radio.
Another ritual on holidays to Dundalk, was to call into the Roma restaurant on Park Street for dinner.
Indeed, Tommy loved his native town, and often thought about coming home for good, though it never materialised.
He enjoyed to travel with his wife. In the States, Washington was his favourite destination, and they also went to Boston, France and Canada.
Tommy and Briege loved the theatre and musical concerts, and he cherished reunions in the ‘ Molly Wee’ in New York, with his sisters Helen and Geraldine, brother Billy, niece Kelly, and grandnephew Robbie.
He loved to listen to Ella Fitzgerald, and most dear to him was dancing with his wife to the tunes of Bennie Goodman and all the big band favourites.
Tommy is survived by his wife, Briege; daughters, Pat and Kathleen; sisters and brothers, Geraldine (New York), Helen (Pennsylvania), Billy, Ann, Pat (all Dundalk), Marie (Skerries) and Seán (Johnny), Dundalk; grandchildren, Bridget, Andrew, Jimmy and Kelly; sons-in-law, Jimmy and Casey; nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
Funeral Mass took place in St James the Less Church, Jamesburg on 22 July, 2017, followed by burial in the church cemetery. Fr. Michael officiated.