Obituary for Dr. Peter Joseph Walsh
It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Dr. Peter Joseph
Walsh on March 6, 2023, at the age of 93. Peter was born in Harlem, NY on
August 21, 1929, as a first-generation Irish American to the late Mary Ellen (Kelly)
and Peter Walsh. He is survived by his beautiful and loving wife, Rosemarie
(Imundo), of 70 years. He is also survived by his five children, Kathleen Blaiklock,
MaryEllen and her late husband Peter Kearns, Susan Walsh, Carole Ray, and Karen
and Mark Westphal, 11 grandchildren, Bill Blaiklock, Peter Blaiklock, Sean and
Gabely Kearns, Kathleen Kearns, Christopher and Sarah Ray, Jessica Ray, John Ray,
Catherine Ray, Vincent Westphal, Christa Westphal, Ritchie Westphal, and five
great-grandchildren Sabrina and Ava Kearns, and Emma, Oliver, and Lucas Ray.
From a young age, he showed a remarkable talent for science and mathematics.
He pursued his passion for physics, earning his Bachelor's in physics from
Fordham University, Bronx, NY, and a Ph.D. degree in physics from New York
University in 1960. For 31 years, he was a devoted and inspiring professor, rising
to the rank of Professor Emeritus in Physics and Electrical Engineering at Fairleigh
Dickinson University in Teaneck, NJ. He held Visiting Professorships at the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, the University of
Sheffield, and the University of Genoa. In addition, he held nine Government
Research Fellowships through NASA, ASEE, and USAF and was a consultant to over
20 corporate and governmental laboratories, including Los Alamos National
Laboratory. With over 130 publications, including 47 patents and one book,
Peter's contributions to the field of physics were profound. His excellence and
leadership in his field were acknowledged with six Governmental Research
Awards and two Prize Paper Awards. Peter was also frequently called upon to
serve as a referee in his field.
While Peter's impact as a scientist and teacher was immeasurable, his kindness,
warmth, delightful sense of humor, and love for his family and friends made him
truly exceptional. He was most proud of his 70-year marriage to his loving wife,
Rosemarie, his “five girls”, and their families. Rosemarie and Peter started their
own non-profit Environmental Montessori School, where Rosemarie was a
directress and teacher. Together and, at times, with their children, they traveled
to over 30 countries, collecting unique and beautiful memories along the way.
Peter's legacy as a family man, scientist, and educator will continue to inspire and
guide those fortunate enough to know him. He will be dearly missed, but his
memory will live on through the lives he touched and the countless contributions
he made to the field of physics and the world at large.
Visitation will be Saturday March 18, 2023 from 12:30 -2:30 PM at the Valley Memorial Funeral Home 1012 Valley Rd., Gillette, NJ 07933. A Funeral Service will be held at 2:30 PM at the Funeral Home. Disposition is private.
It was Peter’s wish that any memorial tributes be made in the form of a donation
to the Long Hill First Aid Squad. The professional and compassionate care they
provided to him during his prolonged illness at home was deeply appreciated.
Long Hill First Aid Squad, PO Box 145, Gillette, NJ 07933
For more information and online condolences visit valleymemorialfuneralhome.net
Walsh on March 6, 2023, at the age of 93. Peter was born in Harlem, NY on
August 21, 1929, as a first-generation Irish American to the late Mary Ellen (Kelly)
and Peter Walsh. He is survived by his beautiful and loving wife, Rosemarie
(Imundo), of 70 years. He is also survived by his five children, Kathleen Blaiklock,
MaryEllen and her late husband Peter Kearns, Susan Walsh, Carole Ray, and Karen
and Mark Westphal, 11 grandchildren, Bill Blaiklock, Peter Blaiklock, Sean and
Gabely Kearns, Kathleen Kearns, Christopher and Sarah Ray, Jessica Ray, John Ray,
Catherine Ray, Vincent Westphal, Christa Westphal, Ritchie Westphal, and five
great-grandchildren Sabrina and Ava Kearns, and Emma, Oliver, and Lucas Ray.
From a young age, he showed a remarkable talent for science and mathematics.
He pursued his passion for physics, earning his Bachelor's in physics from
Fordham University, Bronx, NY, and a Ph.D. degree in physics from New York
University in 1960. For 31 years, he was a devoted and inspiring professor, rising
to the rank of Professor Emeritus in Physics and Electrical Engineering at Fairleigh
Dickinson University in Teaneck, NJ. He held Visiting Professorships at the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, the University of
Sheffield, and the University of Genoa. In addition, he held nine Government
Research Fellowships through NASA, ASEE, and USAF and was a consultant to over
20 corporate and governmental laboratories, including Los Alamos National
Laboratory. With over 130 publications, including 47 patents and one book,
Peter's contributions to the field of physics were profound. His excellence and
leadership in his field were acknowledged with six Governmental Research
Awards and two Prize Paper Awards. Peter was also frequently called upon to
serve as a referee in his field.
While Peter's impact as a scientist and teacher was immeasurable, his kindness,
warmth, delightful sense of humor, and love for his family and friends made him
truly exceptional. He was most proud of his 70-year marriage to his loving wife,
Rosemarie, his “five girls”, and their families. Rosemarie and Peter started their
own non-profit Environmental Montessori School, where Rosemarie was a
directress and teacher. Together and, at times, with their children, they traveled
to over 30 countries, collecting unique and beautiful memories along the way.
Peter's legacy as a family man, scientist, and educator will continue to inspire and
guide those fortunate enough to know him. He will be dearly missed, but his
memory will live on through the lives he touched and the countless contributions
he made to the field of physics and the world at large.
Visitation will be Saturday March 18, 2023 from 12:30 -2:30 PM at the Valley Memorial Funeral Home 1012 Valley Rd., Gillette, NJ 07933. A Funeral Service will be held at 2:30 PM at the Funeral Home. Disposition is private.
It was Peter’s wish that any memorial tributes be made in the form of a donation
to the Long Hill First Aid Squad. The professional and compassionate care they
provided to him during his prolonged illness at home was deeply appreciated.
Long Hill First Aid Squad, PO Box 145, Gillette, NJ 07933
For more information and online condolences visit valleymemorialfuneralhome.net