Celebrating a Life Well-Lived

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of William C. Walsh III, who left us on June 7, 2025, at the age of 78 after 8 years with ALS. WILLIAM was the beloved son of the Cmdr. William Coulter Walsh, JR and Dorothy Ann.

Born on March 5, 1947, in La Mesa, California, William lived a life enriched with kindness, passion, and dedication. Because William was a Navy Junior; most of his childhood was spent traveling all over Europe through Italy, Yugoslavia and the Hawaiian Islands. His family ultimately settled on Mare island, Vallejo, California where he attended Vallejo Senior High School graduating in 1965. While attending Vallejo Jr College he enlisted in the U/S. Naval reserve, serving in the submarine corp. William attended San Jose State University earning a bachelor's degree and master's degree in history and education. William then went on the teach autistic children, leaving a lasting impact on their lives.

William will be remembered fondly for his enjoyment attending Celtic Music Fairs and studying Irish History. He loved to read about World War II and the Civil War, was interested in cars, especially his beloved 67 Mustang which was the pride of his life. He was always working on its engine. He was a member of the Irish Cultural Center of San Francisco and the Catholic Alumni Club. He loved to collect Light Houses as well as make model submarines-and-various-ships. He loved animals and had two cats and two dogs which he adored. Warmth and a sense of humor were his strengths.

William was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Ann Walsh, his father Cmdr. William C Walsh, JR, Sister Cynthia Holiday, and brother-in-law Michael Mack.

William is survived by his sister Patricia Mack-Bitts of Springtown, TX, his nephews Seth Holiday of Santa Clara, CA, Lucas Mack of Valley Springs, Ca, Ethan Mack of Grandbury, TX, and Jacob Mack of Idaho Falls, ID. He leaves eight grandnieces and a grandnephew in California, Idaho and Texas as well as his dear friend, Jeanett Hancock and lifelong friend, John Working.

A celebration of William's life will be held at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Los Altos; on June 13, 2025 at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the ALS network at https://secure.alsnetwork.org/

William, your memory will forever remain in our hearts. Rest in peace.