Rev. Clyde J. Walsh

Rev. Clyde J. Walsh, 91, pastor emeritus of St. Matthew Parish, Cranston, died Tuesday, March 14, 2017.

Born in Pawtucket, a son of the late Christopher and Eva M. (Genest) Walsh, he attended public schools in Pawtucket and graduated from Brown University in Providence.  He was commissioned as an officer of the U.S. Navy in 1946.

In preparation for the priesthood, he studied at St. John Seminary in Brighton, Massachusetts, and was ordained a priest on December 22, 1951 at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul in Providence by Bishop Russell J. McVinney.

Father Walsh served as assistant pastor at St. Mary Parish, Bristol (1952-59) and St. Mary Parish, Providence (1968-69).  Between those assignments, Father was the superior and novice master of the newly-formed Society of the Brothers of Our Lady of Providence in Warwick (1959-68).  Later, while in-residence at St. Anthony Parish, Providence, Father was assigned to special ministry in the Urban Apostolate at the Hartford Park Housing Development in Providence (1969-71). 

In 1971, with residence at St. Patrick Parish, Providence, Father Walsh was appointed acting Director of the Diocesan Human Relations Commission, and was named to the Advisory Commission for the Prison.  In November 1972, he was appointed pastor of Mary, Mother of Mankind Parish, North Providence and in July 1984, Father Walsh became pastor of St. Matthew Parish in Cranston, retiring from there in June 1995 as pastor emeritus. 

In addition to his other duties, Father served as:  a member of the Council of Priests; a member of the Executive Committee of the Clergy Benefits Fund; chaplain to the Daughters of Isabella, Faith Circle #24 and of the Knights of Columbus, Cranston Council; Chairman of the Advisory Board for Seminarians; and a member of the Parish Priest Consultors.  Father Walsh also served as the Vicar-Forane (Dean) of Deanery North Providence #5 and a member of the Board of Directors of The Whitmarsh Corporation, “A Safe Harbor for Troubled Youths”; a member of the Catholic Chaplaincy Team at the Adult Correctional Institutions; a charter member of the Board of Directors of New Time of Rhode Island, a transitional support program for former prisoners and a volunteered as a teacher’s aide at Dorcas Place Parent Literacy Center.

After his retirement from parish administration, Father Walsh resided at the St. John Vianney Residence in Providence and assisted in various parishes including St. Francis of Assisi, Warwick.  In his final years, Father Walsh lived at the St. Jeanne Jugan Residence, Pawtucket.

He was the brother of the late Dorothy M. Maitland and survived by two nieces, Joan Ayotte and Mary Ann Mayer.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 17, 2017 from 9:30 am to 11:00 am in the Jeanne Jugan Residence Chapel, 964 Main Street, Pawtucket.  A Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of his soul will follow at 11:00 am.  Interment will be in Notre Dame Cemetery, Pawtucket.  In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Jeanne Jugan Residence, 964 Main St., Pawtucket, RI 02860 or other charity’s with which Father was associated in his memory would be appreciated. Arrangements with JAMES. J. GALLOGLY & SONS, Funeral Directors.  Information and condolences please visit www.galloglyfuneralhome.com

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