Deacon Pete Walsh

Deacon Pete Walsh, beloved husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and faithful servant of God, entered eternal life on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at the age of 87.

Born on January 28, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York, Pete lived a life defined by faith, service, intellectual curiosity, and love for others. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering and Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. After serving in the United States Army, he contributed to the Apollo space program, working on the heat shields that protected astronauts during their missions. He had a lengthy career as a Chemical Engineer at Exxon, including several overseas assignments that took him and his wife, Joan to Greece, Spain, and France while raising their young family.

Though he enjoyed a distinguished professional career, family was always at the center of Pete's life. Together, he and Joan embraced each new adventure, welcoming friends into their home, traveling widely, sharing laughter, and creating countless memories that would bind their family together for generations. His greatest devotion was to God, his family, and his community. Together with his beloved wife of more than 57 years, he built a family rooted in faith, learning, and love.

A lifelong learner, Pete was endlessly curious and encouraged the same spirit in his children and grandchildren. Whether reading widely, learning new skills, playing the flute, swimming, sculpting, or taking up new challenges, he approached life with enthusiasm and a desire to grow.

After discerning a call to ministry, Pete completed his diaconate formation in 1996 and has served the community within the Diocese of Baton Rouge and beyond over the last 30 years. Throughout his time, he served faithfully through youth ministry, the Rosary Ministry, homeschooling ministry, Charismatic ministry, Evangelization ministry, Respect Life Committee and initiated both the 7 Sisters Ministry and That Man is You (TMY) at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. For many years, he served in the Prison Ministry for Juveniles, and faithfully visited the sick and homebound, bringing hope, compassion, and the love of Christ to those in need. His joyful faith, sense of humor, and genuine concern for others made him a trusted mentor and spiritual father to countless people.

The impact of his life is reflected in the words of those who knew him. Deacon Alec, whom Pete mentored for five years, described him simply as "a Titan."

Pete is survived by his sister Ann Marie and her husband Edward Reilly; his children, Maura Walsh; Stephen and wife Danielle Walsh; Christine Walsh; Karen and husband Clifton Wilcox; and Jo Anne and husband Michael Mundt; and his cherished grandchildren, Kamryn and husband Kyle Koesters; Christian Walsh; Megan Wilcox; Camille, John, Joseph, Benjamin and wife Beth, Ellie, and Daniel Mundt.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joan Walsh; and his parents, Joseph “Joe" Walsh, Marie Lynch, and stepfather Vincent Lynch.

Though his family grieves his loss, they find comfort in the promise of the Resurrection and the joy of knowing he is reunited with Joan. As his daughter Jo Anne shared, "Yesterday the Lord called my dad home to Him. My heart hurts because I will miss my daddy so much, but I know he has the joy of being reunited with Mom in heaven."

Visitation will be held at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway in Baton Rouge, on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The Visitation will continue at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 12424 Brogdon Lane, on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial is held at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Michael Miceli celebrating. A reception will immediately follow.

The family requests prayers for the repose of Deacon Pete's soul and invites all who knew and loved him to celebrate a life devoted to God, family, learning, and service.  They would also like to acknowledge the care provided to him by the nurses and staff at Clarity Hospice and At Homecare of Louisiana.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Retirement Fund for Priests through the Diocese of Baton Rouge, or Women’s New Life Clinic.