David Michael Walsh

David (Dave) Michael Walsh, a resident of Yorba Linda, CA passed away May 21, 2023 at Providence St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton, CA at the age of 80 after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Dave was born on March 12, 1943 in The Bronx, New York to David and Bridget (McCrystal) Walsh. Shortly after his younger sister was born, the family made their way to Southern California where Dave eventually graduated from Garden Grove High School and then Long Beach State University with a double-major in History and Physical Education.

Dave was a hard-worker and was skilled in a variety of trades, but was able to find his true passion when he became an Automotive Instructor at Bell Gardens High School in 1971 and remained there until his retirement in 2004. He took great pride in the work he did and thoroughly enjoyed making a positive impact on the lives of countless students, many of whom he stayed in contact with until his final days.

Dave was known for his great love of family and friends as well as his strong faith in God. Despite his towering height and commanding voice, he had a warmhearted and gentle spirit and cared for others, making powerful connections with those he knew. His infectious smile along with his witty sense of humor brought joy and laughter to all those around him.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents David and Bridget Walsh as well as his first wife Mary Ann Walsh (Maxey). Surviving family members include his wife, Janet Slone Walsh of Yorba Linda, CA; sister Margaret Walsh Drake of San Diego, CA; daughter Sheila (Mason) Tomaino of Georgetown, TX; step-daughter Shana (Jason) Wallenstein of Beachwood, OH; four grandchildren, Brittany (Dean) Oshiro, Becky Tomaino, Mason Tomaino, Jr. (14), and Jack Wallenstein (9); two great-grandchildren Lauren Oshiro (13) and Ricky Oshiro (7); and several other family members, all of whom he loved dearly.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude and appreciation for those who played a part in making Dave’s final days filled with love, kindness, and everlasting memories.