Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Devoted husband and father, Richard Sheridan (Dick) Walsh, age 88, entered peacefully into the Lord’s arms on Aug 31, 2021. Joan Shaddinger, his wife of 65 years and the love of his life, was by his side.  

Richard was born in Glendale, California Jun 9, 1933. He was the son of RAdm Harvey T. Walsh, USNA Class of 1922, and Dorothy Walsh of Annapolis. He was a proud graduate of the US Naval Academy Class of 1956 where he played on the lacrosse team, winning the 1954 National Championship. Life at the Academy provided ample opportunities to express his good-natured personality with a myriad of pranks (ie. dead fish on upperclassman’s lamps); when questioned about the brains behind the antics Richard would respond, “I’m not sayin”. He graduated from the University of Kansas with a Master’s degree in Petroleum Management in preparation for his tour in Southeast Asia supplying fuel for all Naval forces in that area during the Vietnam War. Richard was very proud of his service aboard USS America CV-66. He later worked for Defense Contractor, TRW, as a Project Manager.

His 28 year career in the Navy Supply Corp (Captain, USN (ret)) took him across the country and the world, engendering a love of travel that continued after retirement in a 40 plus foot motor home.  He and Joan were avid RV enthusiasts visiting every US state and Canada with their Boston Terrier sidekick. He likewise enjoyed fishing, sailing, golfing and following the migration patterns of birds and waterfowl. Other hobbies included rose and vegetable gardening with an ongoing vendetta against squirrels.  He was a talented barbeque chef and loved Joan’s cooking. Richard also supported all Navy sports, and for that matter, was an avid sports-watching enthusiast. After moving to Annapolis, he enjoyed sponsoring Midshipmen.

The legacy he left includes one of noble service to his country, faith in God and devotion to family. He was an honorable, humble man.

He is survived by his wife, Joan (Shaddinger), his daughter Susan Thomson (husband Jeffrey), and daughter Jane Beck (husband Kevin) , grandchildren Randi Lepre (Patrick), Phillip Beck (Taylor), Jessica Brown (Daniel), Luke Thomson, Jacob Beck, Emma Thomson, Joseph Beck and six great-grandchildren.  

A celebration of his life will be held at St. Andrews Chapel USNA at 10:30am, November 10th with a ceremony following at the Naval Academy Columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake or Calvary United Methodist in Annapolis where he was a member.



Richard Sheridan Walsh

Richard Sheridan Walsh

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