Marine veteran, former City Councilor and Veterans Service Director Daniel M. Walsh III passed away

Daniel M. Walsh III, former Marine, city councilor and veterans services director for the city of Springfield, has died.

The son of a Navy veteran, Walsh knew from an early age he wanted to be a Marine. He told a Republican interviewer once that he knew he wanted to enlist as a Marine since he was 9 years old. As soon as he graduated from Providence College in 1964, he did just that, becoming a lieutenant before being sent to fight in Vietnam.

Walsh was promoted to captain while serving in Vietnam, and in March 1966, he was seriously wounded in combat. Walsh was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat V and the Purple Heart for his courageous action under machine gun fire.

When he returned home from the service, he worked in financial services, insurance and stocks and bonds before becoming co-owner of a commercial printing company. At the same time, he ran for and was elected to the Springfield City Council and served as president of the council. He stepped down in 1977. Walshs wife, Kateri, currently serves on the council.

In the mid-1990s, Walsh sold his businesses and turned his attention to serving veterans like himself. He served as Springfields veterans services director for approximately 15 years, retiring in 2011.

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno lauded Walsh for his service to the city, state and country.

Dan bravely and honorably served our country during combat battles in Vietnam. He proudly continued to serve our city as a city councilor and as our Veterans Director. He was instrumental in creating the Peach Basket Festival basketball game and evening ball event that brought top-ranked Division I NCAA champions to Springfield play and kick off the college basketball season. The games were televised nationally from right here in downtown Springfield at the old Civic Center.

He was fiercely proud to be a Marine and was so loyal to his family and our Springfield.

Dan, your battles have been won may God rest your soul.

The president of the Springfield City Council, Jesse Lederman, extended condolences to the Walsh family from council members.

On behalf of the entire Springfield City Council, I express my deepest condolences to the family and friend of former City Council President Daniel Walsh. Mr. Walsh served his country, Commonwealth and city alike, both an elected official and in the Marine Corps. He and his wife, our colleague Kateri Walsh, are the only husband and wife pair to have both served as City Council President, a fact that brought him great pride and joy.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, especially our colleague, City Councilor Kateri Walsh, during this time.

Former city councilor and current state Rep. Bud Williams said he would turn to Walsh for advice from time to time. He called Walsh a straight shooter who he will sorely miss.

What you saw is what you got, Williams said yesterday. Dan was the kind of guy you felt good about talking to. He always had a great perspective on issues. I always felt we had a special relationship, and I will sorely miss him. I dont think you could find a better ambassador for the city of Springfield. He was the best of the best when it came to veterans and the services they needed. His contributions are already well known. We lost a good one.

Political consultant Anthony Cignoli said he knew Walsh for a long time and said he inspired many,

Dan Walsh inspired generations, Cignoli said. His advice was sought after by aspiring public servants and he gave it graciously. He always had time, too, for any veteran and for young people considering the military, especially his beloved Marines my nephew included.