WALSH

DANIEL

Dan loved a joke. 80 years old, jumping into a neighbor's pool, fully clothed, in celebration of America's birthday. Days before passing, pretending to trip in the doctor's office, knocking the door with his hand and throwing the illusion he hit his head. This joke was so old that his daughters merely rolled their eyes. A terrified slew of preteens between 1984-1989 were treated to his "no brakes" trick, as he slammed his foot on the floorboard during a carpool. "He loves a joke," his children reassured the wide-eyed crew as he (safely) drove his charges to whatever function the job required. His granddaughters learned the drill before they hit kindergarten. The conspiratorial giggles with the grandkids never stopped. They bubbled joy into any space they inhabited.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Dan's humor was a gift that carried him through life. His own father, Lawrence Walsh, was lost in 1951, to a chronic heart condition. His mother, Ethel, worked as a nurse and kept four boys on track. Growing up, Larry, Terry, Dan and John, certainly put their mom to the test. When youngest brother, John, got his first detention at Central Catholic high school, a Brother "Big Mike" punched John on the bicep and set him free. Dan had served enough detentions for the whole family. Dan was an altar boy, worked at a horse stable and joined the army after graduating from Central Catholic. His time in the military took him to New Mexico and Germany, where he worked in a nuclear weapons lab. After the army, he made his way to a company called Beckman Instruments.

His career with Beckman unfolded in a way that doesn't happen much anymore. He started servicing Beckman's medical equipment, then selling it. Later, he moved into sales management after getting his bachelor's from the University of Pittsburgh through night school. His career was capped in International Customer Relations. Dan's sense of humor and charm made him a valued link between Beckman and their top customers. His friendships through Beckman lasted for the rest of his life. It also shaped the life of his family through moves from Pennsylvania, to Chicago, to Southern California.

Dan's career kept him busy and often on the road when his children, Danny, Suzy and Karen were growing up. In 1995, at the age of 51, Dan had his heart checked and learned that he needed the first of two bypass surgeries. It was the beginning of a shift that directed him back to family, his wood shop, and becoming an active member of the church.

Dan was frequently back in Pittsburgh to see family and old friends. He was close to his neighbors in Aliso Viejo, California. Over the years, he was active in the parishes of Saint Timothy, Corpus Christi and Saint Catherine, with dear friends in every location. His retirement from Beckman at the birth of his first granddaughter was also the start of his chapter as the OC Emcee. Once again, his big personality was deployed to aid local non-profits with their fundraisers and auctions. Mary's Path, Laguna College of Art and Design and local schools were just a few of the causes he supported with his time and talent.

For as much as he traveled when his kids were young, he was the #1 babysitter for his granddaughters, Claire and Annabel. He was "spaghetti Papa," having them over for frequent dinners. He took them to the circus, out for pancakes, he watched movies with them (Claire, age 3, working the tv). He got himself to every school performance early, to save seats with a good view - even the 4th grade recorder concert. He watched Claire and Annabel through every step of their lives until they were 20 and 17, never wavering in his presence, love and support. When Claire was 18 and decided to join the Catholic Church, Dan joined her in her religious education classes and was a big part of her reception into the Church.

On May 26, 2026, Dan passed away peacefully, in his sleep at home. His final weeks found him surrounded by family and friends. Claire and Annabel serenaded him with songs from upcoming school and church performances. There was love and laughter filling the house.

Dan is survived by his children and grandchildren in California, Daniel Walsh of Long Beach, Susan Walsh of Huntington Beach and Karen, Claire and Annabel of Ladera Ranch. In Pennsylvania, he is survived by his brothers, Terrence Walsh and John Walsh; nephew, Sean Walsh; and great-nephew, Ryan.