Longtime Shrewsbury resident Joseph T. Walsh III died suddenly at home on Monday morning, Aug. 2. He was 61.
A graduate of Red Bank Catholic High School and Northeastern University, Joe was a resident of Shrewsbury since 1991. He served on the Zoning Board for 10 years, and as a member of the Shrewsbury Recreation Committee and the Shrewsbury Youth Athletic Association.
“‘Mr. Walsh’, as his players called him, coached tee ball, baseball, and basketball, both traveling and rec, and even spent several seasons as a soccer coach with limited knowledge, never quite grasping the concept of offsides.
Loved ones of Joe Walsh III in his obituary
His sons will say that he never missed any of their games, even when he wasn’t coaching. Truer words were never spoken.
Joe was an avid golfer, loved a hard and long day at work, his backyard pool, and never ever turned down a cold adult
beverage with friends.
Joe has worked for J. Fletcher Creamer and Son for 26 years, becoming the first non-Creamer family member to hold the position of president, was named COO in 2016, and then CEO in 2020. “He grew the company by creating a culture rooted in his strong work ethic and selfless approach to customer service,” his family said in his obituary.
In 2016, he facilitated the sale of Creamer to API Group and was subsequently selected by API to lead their Specialty & Industrial Service segments, overseeing 15 companies throughout North America. Joe served as president of the Utility and Transportation Contractors Association (UTCA) of New Jersey in 2012-2013 and 2018-2019, and was an executive member on the association’s board for many years. He started the NJ Chapter of the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) in 2020 and served as its board president. He was also a trustee for the Heavy Highway Laborer’s Fund Local 172/472.
He was very loved and will be immeasurably missed by Dawn, his wife of almost 35 years, son Joseph (JT) Walsh IV and his wife Kelsey, their one-year-old, Joseph T. Walsh V (Tommy), and son Andrew P. Walsh and his wife Erin, and their three-month-old daughter Reghan, all of Shrewsbury. He also leaves behind: four brothers, John, Michael, Richard, and Robert Walsh; his sister, Nancy Langley; and his parents, Joseph and Lorraine Walsh, as well as many other beloved nieces, nephews, and in-laws.
Joe was many things, but above all he was a man who had a deep understanding of what life was about, dedicating his mind to work when he was at the office, to his family when he was at home, and to golf when he was on the course.
His family’s well-being was paramount, because what he understood was that without his family, none of what he did would matter. He loved his two sons, was ecstatic they both recently bought homes in town, and was immensely proud of the way they and their wives seamlessly took on their new roles as parents.
He was ‘that grandfather’ when out with friends, showing baby photos on his phone. He never got to hear his grandchildren say his name, but the little ones will hear so much about him, they will feel they knew Pops well.
Loved ones of Joe Walsh III in his obituary
Visitation will be Thursday, Aug. 5 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Church of the Nativity, Fair Haven. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, Aug. 6 at 10 a.m. at Nativity. Burial will be private. .
Joe’s family respectfully requests that flowers NOT be sent to the church and that those who wish to do so will consider a donation to the Monmouth SPCA, Shrewsbury Hose Company, Shrewsbury First Aid or Shrewsbury Recreation. The family also asks that you reach out to a friend and plan something fun, ideally on the course.
— Edited obituary prepared by loved ones via Thompson Memorial Home
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