Rev. Thomas J. Walsh

(December 1, 2016; Darien, IL) The Province of the Most Pure Heart of Mary (PCM), Order of Carmelites, mourns the death of the Reverend Thomas Walsh, O. Carm., who died at the age of 91 on Thursday, December 1, 2016.

According to Fr. Tom’s wishes, the Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 425 South Tamiami Trail, Osprey, Florida on Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at 10 A M. Cremation will follow. 

Thomas was born to (the late) Thomas James Walsh and (the late) Ella G. (Maher) Walsh on July 5, 1925, in Chicago, Illinois. His given name at baptism was Thomas James.

 Thomas attended Mount Carmel Preparatory Seminary in Niagara Falls, Ontario, and professed simple vows on August 15, 1944, taking the religious name of Coleman.    He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy at Mount Carmel College, studied at CUA in Washington, DC, and earned a master’s degree in religious education from University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas.

Thomas made his solemn profession with the Carmelites on September 28, 1947 and was ordained a Carmelite priest on June 6, 1950.

            From 1951 to 1966, Father Thomas’ served in the roles of teacher and dean at Joliet Catholic High School as well as rector and teacher at the Carmelite Junior Seminary.  In 1966 Father Thomas was appointed coordinator of parishes and fourth definitor for the province and from 1966 to 2000 he served as pastor at parishes in New Jersey, Texas, Arizona and Florida.

In 2000, Fr. Thomas retired to Carmel at Mission Valley in Nokomis, Florida, where he remained until his death.

May he rest in peace.

            Donations in honor of the Reverend Thomas Walsh, O. Carm., may be made to: the Society of Mount Carmel, 1317 North Frontage Road, Darien, Illinois, 60561.

For further information on the Reverend Thomas Walsh, O. Carm., or the Order of Carmelites, please contact Carmelite Media at (630) 971-0724 or visit the Carmelite website at www.carmelnet.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.carmelnet.org/">www.carmelnet.org.

Lemon Bay Funeral Home and Cremation Services has been selected to handle the arrangements. You may express your condolences at lemonbayfh.com