Joseph Francis Walsh, III, 83, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away on April 21, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Joe was born on February 11, 1943, to the late Joseph, Jr. and Gertrude (Kelly) Walsh of Chester, Pennsylvania. A Class of 1961 graduate of St. James High School, he went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Army. Some may remember Joe as their favorite bartender from O'Friel's Irish Pub, Buddy's, or Porky's in the early 90s, pouring drinks and making conversation using his sharp wit. Others may remember Joe as a cornerstone of the hospitality team at DuPont Country Club's weddings, banquets, and celebrations, retiring after 15 years of serving, tending bar, and supervising, ensuring events were executed seamlessly.

In his earlier years, Joe was a drummer with "Cookie Jar and The Crumbs" and later worked gigs around Wildwood, New Jersey, especially at Delaney's Café, with "The Starlighters." A musician at heart, any big-band song, particularly a Glen Miller tune, would get his fingers and toes tapping, and would even spark a jitterbug with his favorite girl, Fran. Joe also loved to golf and enjoyed spending time on the green with friends. And, not to forget, "What time do the Phillies come on?" was asked daily during baseball season.

You could find Joe at his happiest when right next to his beloved wife, Fran. Together, they built a life focused on family. Joe's most cherished roles were that of husband, father, and Pop-Pop. You could find Joe sitting peacefully at family gatherings, observing and taking it all in, chuckling while listening to multiple conversations at once, marveling at his grandchildren, enjoying the home-cooked meal, and loving every second of it. He was quiet strength. He was steady. He was protection. He was proud. To have been loved by Joe was to know true devotion; he was our constant, and he will be missed in every quiet moment and loud celebration.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Frances; his children, David Walsh (Leslie), Jeff Walsh (Kim), Lisa Marsey (Peter), Thomas Minio (Erica), and Victor Minio (Chantel); his grandchildren, Randy, Keri, Amber, Dannielle, Rose, Samantha, Kaeleigh, William, and Emilie; sixteen great-grandchildren; sisters- and brothers-in law's, and nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Monday, April 27, 2026, from 10:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. at Mealey Funeral Home, 2509 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808. A service will follow immediately at 11:30 A.M. Burial will be held privately.