William J Walsh

William J. Walsh, 88, formerly of Randall Manor, passed away peacefully on Jan. 7, 2017. A native Islander for most of his life, Bill was born and raised in Silver Lake. He attended Our Lady of Good Counsel School and later Curtis High School. He grew up on Silver Lake Golf Course and played golf from an early age. He caddied and learned from some of the Island's best players. In 1945, he won the New York City Parks Department's Junior Golfing title at Bethpage Golf Course. He was the first Islander to win this title. He won the CYO Junior title the following year. In 1947, he "entered the boats" and began his apprenticeship with the Sandy Hook Pilots Association. After seven years of training and seven years as a deputy pilot, he achieved full branch status as a senior pilot. He safely brought many ships in and out of the Port of New York, including the RMS Queen Mary. He served as president of the organization for five years, and later was the superintendent of the pier. Bill came from a long line of Sandy Hook pilots, having four uncles and two brothers in the business, and later his son and nephew. Bill retired in 1992 and moved to Marco Island, Fla., also spending time at the family home in Beach Haven, N.J. While in Florida, he was an active member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla No. 95, where he performed safety patrols, radio watch and vessel inspections. He was also active in the Marco Bay Yacht Club, Marco Island Yacht Club and the Marco Island Men's Club. Bill was widowed twice. His first wife, Virginia Sullivan, died in 1959, and his second wife of 41 years, Joan Schiaffino, died in 2010. He is survived by two brothers, Joseph T. Walsh and his wife, Lorraine, of Manasquan, N.J., and Thomas J. Walsh and his wife, Jacqueline, of Annandale, N.J.; four children, Margaret Walsh of Staten Island, Monica Tobin and her husband, John, of Prescott, Ariz., Douglas Walsh of Staten Island, and Jennifer Cunningham and her husband, Peter, of Hoboken, N.J.; six grandchildren, Virginia Wahlstrom, Jacqueline Scroggins, Jennifer Maxwell, William Walsh, Christian and Cathryn Cunningham, five great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Visitation is Monday, Jan. 16, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Casey Funeral Home. Funeral Mass is Tuesday, Jan. 17, at 10 a.m., at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 10 Austin Pl., Staten Island, N.Y. 10314. Interment is in Moravian Cemetary In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill's name may be sent to United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla No. 95, 905 Collier Ct., Marco Island, Fla. 34145.

Arrangements under the direction of Casey Funeral Home, Staten Island, NY.