Michael E. Walsh

Sadly we announce that Michael Edward Walsh left our world on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at Regional Hospice of Danbury. Michael passed away peacefully with his beloved wife and son, Mary-Jo and Zachary Whitlock, at his side.

Michael and his identical twin, Patrick, were born on July 17, 1951 in New Haven, CT to Edward and Alice Walsh. Inseparable, they were raised with older sister, Maureen, and younger brother, Daniel, in Bethel.

Micheal attended Bethel schools and excelled in sports. He was captain of the basketball team, ran track and field, and cross country. He continued to run 10K races, including the John DeMille Firecracker July 4th race in Bethel, for many years. He also loved archery and throwing darts.

Michael and Patrick studied Ornamental Horticultural at UConn and, at the age of 19, founded Walsh Landscape Design. They employed their family and many people over the years. Sadly Pat passed away in 2011, but luckily Zac stepped in.

Michael was incredibly creative, patient and kind, a gentle giant at 6’4”. He taught many to love their gardens and landscaping. Customers and employees became like family and remain in Michael’s life.

Michael also loved Whitlock’s restaurant, reading, traveling, plays, and music from big band to the Beatles to opera. He especially loved being a “roadie” for the Bethel High School marching band when Zac was in high school, and following Zac when he played for the Sonny Carroll Orchestra…

Michael loved nothing more than spending time with his wife and son, skiing, hiking, swimming and just being in nature.

Although Michael was a lifelong Bethel resident, his heart belonged in the beautiful, serene White Mountains of New Hampshire where he spent many happy winters and summers with friends and family. His plan was to retire to the church he and Mary-Jo renovated in Intervale, NH and spend winters on the ski slopes and the all seasons enjoying beauty and challenges of the White Mountains.

Michael was predeceased by his parents, Ed and Alice Walsh, twin, Patrick Walsh, his father-in-law, “Ace” Gilbert Whitlock Sr., his brother-in-law, Brian Whitlock, who he considered his little brother with whom he shared a special bond and recently Aunt Kay Santuro.

Michael is survived by many dear friends, cousins, nieces, nephews and sisters, brothers and cousins in-law of the Walsh, Whitlock and Halpin families. He was especially close to his mother-in-law Regina Santuro Whitlock and cousin Tom.

A celebration of Michael's life will take place on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 10:00. with a Mass at St. Mary's Church in Bethel. Calling hours are Friday, January 14th from 5-8pm at Green Funeral Home, Main St, Danbury.

Michael loved people and nature. Donations in Michael’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice.