Martin J. 'Marty' Walsh

Auburndale - Martin J. “Marty” Walsh died peacefully at home on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. He was 93.

Marty was born on May 29, 1932, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Brighton, one of five children of the late Martin L. Walsh and Margaret E. (Thompson) Walsh. He was raised in the Warrendale neighborhood of Waltham and graduated from St. Mary’s High School. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Saint Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia, Canada, and later received his master’s degree from Springfield College. Marty proudly served his country in the United States Army as a photographer during the Korean War, a passion he would pursue for the rest of his life.

On July 20, 1963, Marty married Carol Marie Campbell, a native of Sydney, Nova Scotia, in her home parish of Holy Redeemer Church. They have made Auburndale their home since 1969.

He was a well-liked and dedicated physical education teacher for Newton Public Schools for over 18 years, retiring in 1980. Previously, he worked in the Arlington Public School System. Following his education career, Marty channeled his passion for driving as a courier for BayBank.

Marty cherished his family and was a devoted husband to his wife Carol for 63 years. He was always supportive of his children’s endeavors, whether it was attending a soccer, or hockey game at a cold New England field or rink or taking them on their paper routes when it rained, the back of his station wagon filled with copies of the Sunday Boston Globe and Boston Herald.

He was an avid traveler to destinations in the U.S. and abroad, and a devoted fan of classical music, architecture, and art, He was also a lifelong lover of sports, an avid follower of the Boston teams, and a hockey player and coach. He was always immersed in a book and astounded friends and family with his vast knowledge of history, in particular the history of World War II.

Marty was also committed to giving back to his community. He traveled to Washington D.C. a number of times to advocate for increased funding for elderly patients. He was a valuable volunteer for Boston By Foot tours, and he helped maintain historic Norumbega park.

In addition to his wife, Carol, he leaves his children, Michael J. Walsh of Auburndale, Jane E. Walsh of Glendale, California and Colleen M. Walsh and her partner, Jeff Neal of Cambridge; his brother, James Walsh of Lady Lake, Florida; his sister, Mary Oman (late Dennis) of Burlingame, California; his brother-in-law, Ralph Campbell of Sydney, Nova Scotia; the late Elizabeth Driscoll and William Walsh; and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Marty’s life by gathering for a Visitation at the Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), in Waltham on Tuesday, April 7th from 4 to 7 p.m. His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 8th at Saint Bernard's Church, 1523 Washington Street, West Newton at 10 a.m. Burial is private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to a charity of your choice.