Richard “Dick” John Walsh III, 79, of Wethersfield, loving husband for 54 years of Margaret “Peggie” (McAuliffe), died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on Monday, April 17, 2023. Richard faced bladder cancer, death and his mortality, as he did his life, with courage, always looking to make things easier for his family. Richard was born on November 11, 1943 in Hartford, the youngest of three to the late Richard and Cora (Strickland) Walsh. After graduating from Wethersfield High School in 1961, Richard joined the US Army Reserves and served until 1970 when he was honorably discharged. In 1971, he graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Law Enforcement from Manchester Community College. In 1968, Richard was hired to the Wethersfield Police Department. During his career, he rose through the ranks of Detective, Sergeant and retired in 1994 as Lieutenant. His professional accomplishments included being awarded 1982 Wethersfield Jaycees-Policeman of the Year and being selected to attend the FBI National Academy, graduating as a member of session 128. In addition, he served as a longtime member of the Police Association of CT Executive Board, serving as vice-president for many years, Chairman-Jimmy Fund Fundraising, President-Wethersfield Police Benevolent Association, Vice President-Connecticut Law Enforcement Accreditation Network, Police Liaison-Wethersfield Chamber of Commerce, Assessor-CALEA, Certified Instructor for the Municipal Training Council, Court-qualified expert in fingerprinting identification, FBI-trained hostage negotiator, and Assessor for the Commission of Accreditation Center of Examinations-UConn Institute of Public Service. After his WPD retirement, he continued his law enforcement career as a Police Inspector with CT Division of Criminal Justice in the Office in the Chief State’s Attorney where he was assigned to the Gang and Continuing Criminal Activity Unit and Public Integrity Bureau. During his tenure, he was credited with starting the Connecticut Witness Protection Unit. His local community was very important to him. He was an active member of Christ the King Parish and regularly attended mass at Corpus Christi Church. He was a member of the American Legion Bourne Keeney Post #23 and Irish American Home Society. He enjoyed car shows and deep-sea fishing with his family. One of Richard’s favorite places was by the ocean. After spending many family summer vacations at Hampton Beach, Richard and Peggie purchased a second home there in 1994. Over the years, the family made many memories at “Happy Hampton”.
Richard is predeceased by his sister, Eileen Crapulli, brother in laws Dave Smith and John McAuliffe Jr, nephew Paul Smith, great niece Elizabeth Camilleri, and nephew in-law Michael Camilleri. In addition to his wife, Peggie, he will forever be missed by his daughters, Kathleen Race and husband Jason Race of Wethersfield, Kerry Cayward and husband Andrew Cayward of South Windsor and Kelly Walsh and partner Chris Chute of New Britain. As well as his sister Dorothy Smith, sister in law Arlene McAuliffe, nephew Glenn, nieces Kim and Teri and lifelong friends Bob Fritsch, Craig Davis, Ron Johnson, Dave Best, and Jay Tilley. Richard's greatest joys were his five grandchildren. He loved them as fiercely as they loved their "Da," and each child's personality is a reflection of his greatest attributes: Brenden Race; his humbleness and quiet strength, Connor Race; his humor and dedication to serve others, Liam Cayward; his compassion, Nora Cayward; her creativity, Maeve Cayward; her thoughtfulness.
In addition, his love for dogs brought him much happiness, most recently Molly who always stayed by his side.
Many describe Richard as a great friend, paying regular visits to nursing homes where friends reside, checking on them and the care that they receive. Above all, Richard lived a life of integrity. He showed us all how to be selfless, fair, quietly do the “right” thing, always make time for family and enjoy the little things… like a hot dog and beer. The family would like to extend appreciation to Hartford Healthcare staff: Sean, PCA Bliss 8, Kallie, RN CB2, Patty Veronneau, RN, Anne McNeil, RN and Charles Johndro, MD Emergency Department, Dina and Lataya HHC Hospice for the respect showed to Richard while in their care.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following associations: Protectors of the Animals https://poainc.org/donate/ and The Connecticut Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation, https://ctneverforget.org/donate/
Friends and family may call upon the Walsh family will be on Thursday, April 20, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home, 34 Beaver Road, Wethersfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, April 21, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. in the Church of the Incarnation of Christ the King Parish, 544 Prospect St, Wethersfield, CT with interment immediately following at Village Cemetery, 1 Marsh Street, Wethersfield. To leave a condolence, or for further information, please visit FarleySullivan.com.