Msgr. Thomas Walsh died Dec. 2, 2016, in Cuba Memorial Hospital. He was 90.

He was born June 29, 1926, in Allegany, to John J. and Celia (Phillips) Walsh. After attending St. Bonaventure Parochial School and being named valedictorian of Allegany Central School's class of 1944, he attended St. Bonaventure University. While in college, Father Thomas Plassman, OFM, the university president, helped him become a candidate for priesthood in the Diocese of Raleigh, N.C.

After moving to North Carolina, he studied at Mount St. Mary's College and Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md., and completed missionary work in North Carolina, where he was ordained in 1953.

Father Walsh served entirely in the dioceses of Raleigh and Charlotte during his ministry, serving as an assistant pastor and pastor of many parishes in the state. He retired to Allegany in 1996 and served in parishes in the Diocese of Buffalo, particularly St. Patrick Church in Limestone, until his health no longer allowed him to do so. He also served as chaplain of the Knights of Columbus in Allegany.

He is survived by siblings Sally (John) Vanini of Olean, John (Jillian) Walsh of Allegany and Barbara Walsh of Houghton, and Cameron (John) Donoghue of Florida; and nieces and nephews Margaret Eckhardt, Bridget and Matthew Walsh, Kevin and John T. Vanini, Aileen Henning, and James and Mark Donoghue.

A funeral Mass was held at St. Bonaventure Church in Allegany, with burial in St. Bonaventure Cemetery.