Thomas Francis Walsh

AUSTIN, Texas – Thomas Francis Walsh, 79, of Austin, Texas, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2022 following a lengthy illness.

Thom was born on Oct. 23, 1942 in Portland to Andrew Ambrose Walsh and Christine Dorgan Walsh. Thom, known to his family and childhood friends as “Tommy”, grew up as a scrappy Irish kid on Brackett Street in Portland, where he enjoyed playing baseball with neighborhood friends.

When his father tragically passed away when Thom was 16, he was forced to quickly grow up and worked numerous jobs to help support his mother and three sisters. A graduate of Saint Dominick’s and Cheverus High School (1962) in Portland, Thom went on to join the United States Navy on Jan. 30, 1964 where he served honorably as a Radioman Petty Officer (RM3) onboard U.S.S. PRAIRIE, stationed in San Diego, Calif.

Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, Thom attended the University of Southern Maine, Portland, where he earned his bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in business. Following college, Thom held numerous positions during his time in Portland, including stepping in to run his bother-in-law’s business after he unexpectedly passed away.

Thom married the love of his life and his soulmate, Cynthia “Cindy” LaRou, on Sept. 6, 1969 in Maine and went on to have a successful and loving marriage of 52 years. Thom and Cindy bought their forever home at Higgins Beach in 1972. From full-time residence to summer home, their cottage on Higgins Beach serves as the central gathering place for friends, family, and their ensuing generations for years to come.

Thom had a great love for travel and adventure. In the early years of their marriage, Thom, Cindy, and their dog Shane, would embark every year for months-long road trips, often to their favorite destinations, Florida and California. Throughout Thom’s 79 years, many of his best memories were made in their hippy van with his wife by his side, and the endless optimism and possibilities of the open road in front of them.

In 1985, Thom, Cindy, and their two young children, Jesse-LaRou and Jameson moved from Portland to Austin, Texas. Over the next 36 years, Thom and Cindy made Austin, Texas home where they both worked as successful real estate agents for over 30 years.

Thom’s greatest joy was his and Cindy’s tightknit families. He was also incredibly proud of his children, and in his later years, he loved spending time with his four grandchildren. Thom always considered himself blessed to be a part of such a wonderful and loving family and, along with his wife Cindy, was the even-keeled anchor at the core of everyone’s life.

Thom is survived by his wife of 52 years, Cynthia LaRou Walsh of Austin, Texas; daughter, Jesse-LaRou Walsh (spouse, Brett Conklin) of Alexandria, Va., and son, Jameson Andrew Walsh (spouse, Melissa Walsh) of Middletown, Md.; four grandchildren, Sofia Walsh (9), Dylan Walsh (6), Camden Conklin (4), and Cullen Conklin (1); his sister, Kathleen Morse of South Portland, brothers-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Andrew and Christine Walsh; and sisters Mary Connolly and Christine Kimball.

A celebration of Thom’s life is planned for August 2023 in Maine. “May the blessings be”
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Memorial donations may be made in Thom’s honor to the charity of your choice.