Raymond F. Walsh Jr.

CUMBERLAND — Raymond F. Walsh Jr. 86, passed away Wednesday, July 5, 2017. He was the beloved husband of the late Shirley (Gartsu) Walsh for 45 years. Born in Woonsocket, he was the son of the late Raymond and Lila (Perry) Walsh.

Mr. Walsh was a U.S. Navy Veteran who served during the Korean Conflict. He was a qualified submariner and crew member of the submarine USS Piper.

A standout athlete at both Blackstone High School and Dean Academy, he also attended Bryant College prior to his military service.

Ray spent his career in the home furnishings industry, working at Roitman’s in Providence, owning his own retail stores, and as a longtime manufacturer’s representative for Bassett Furniture Industries.

“Red” loved Jazz, New England sports teams and vacationing on Cape Cod. He was active in the sport of thoroughbred racing, owning his initial horse in 1960. He was also the co-founder of the first New England Patriots Booster Club.

He is survived by two sons, David Walsh and his wife Denise of Warwick, and Jonathan Walsh and his wife Jodie of Cumberland; and three grandchildren, Anna, Jackson and Jonathan Walsh. He was also the brother of the late Barbara Whitaker.

The funeral will be held Tuesday, July 11, 2017, at 9 a.m. from the O’NEILL Funeral Home, 3102 Mendon Road, Cumberland, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. John Vianney Church, 3609 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Cumberland. Visiting hours are Monday, 4 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Cumberland-Lincoln, 1 James J. McKee Way, Cumberland, RI 02864. www.oneillfuneralhomes.com