Lawrence Arthur Walsh

Lawrence “Larry” Arthur Walsh

A True Gentleman -

Lawrence “Larry” Arthur Walsh, age 87, of Mechanicsburg , and formerly of Texas , died at Harrisburg Hospital on Sunday, September 14, 2014.  Larry was born on Friday, June 3, 1927 in Milwaukee to the late John Emmet Walsh and Fern Eloda (Smith) Walsh.  Larry was the widower of Brunhilda “Hilda” Marcella (Senlask) Walsh, to whom he was married for 61 years and who died on August 1, 2013.  In addition to his parents and wife, Larry is preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Thomasine Walsh.

Larry’s survivors include his children: Matthew Walsh of New Jersey, Andrew Walsh of New York, James Walsh of Effort, PA, John Walsh and his wife, Cookie, of FL, Marian “May” Rockwood and her husband, William “Bill,” of Georgia; his grandchildren: Wesley Walsh, Maggie Walsh, Kathryn Naughton, Lindsay Rockwood; his sister, Patricia Mitchell of Mexico; and several nieces and nephews.

Larry graduated from Xavier High School in New York City as part of the class of 1946. He is a 1951 graduate of the College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts, earning a degree in business administration and enough credits for a degree in philosophy, as well as completing Naval ROTC.  Larry was stationed in Korea while serving in the U.S. Army from 1946-1947 and he is also a U.S. Navy veteran, serving on the USS Tutulia from 1951-1953.  Larry retired as a senior vice president from McGraw-Hill after 33 years of service.  He bought Meriden Mason Supplies, which operated as a family business for 17 years in Rockaway, NJ.  Larry knew the history of railroading and believed that there was a place for it in the future.  It was in this capacity that he became a volunteer member of the Monroe County Rail Authority during early retirement years in Pennsylvania.  His contributions included restoring passinger service to that region for the first time in decades.  In his late 70s, Larry joined the Texas Transportation Museum as a docent and active rail modeler. His contributions were drawn on a blueprint and brought into realization when he built the extensive layouts and scenery.  Larry was a mentor for an upcoming generation of young rail modelers.  His name has been memorialized on “The Walsh Tunnel,” a project named for him with unanimous approval of his fellow TTM members.  Larry lived long enough to see his myriad of talents summarized in the publication of his book “The Battle for Transportation Supremacy.”  Larry was a brilliant pianist who enjoyed sharing his gift with audiences, having performed with the San Antonio Ragtime Society and at Carnegie Hall at age 13.

All are welcome to join Larry’s family at Graveside Prayer Service on Saturday, September 27, 2014, at 1:00 p.m. at Mechanicsburg Cemetery , 137 West Marble Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Reverend Louis P. Ogden officiating.  Cremation was private.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Texas Transportation Museum, P.O. Box 17928, San Antonio, TX 78217-0928.  Larry’s family has entrusted his care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Larry’s full obituary and sign his official guest book at www.Myers-Buhrig.com .