Richard P. Walsh Jr

Voorheesville - Richard P. Walsh, Jr., 77, a kind gentleman, respected trial lawyer, and litigator, died peacefully at Albany Medical Center Tuesday, April 13, 2021. He was the firstborn son of Richard P. and Angela Marchese Walsh. Dick graduated from Christian Brothers Academy, the College of the Holy Cross, and Georgetown Law School. He began his career at the Counsel’s office at the NYS Department of Civil Service. Dick then went into private practice for a firm that specialized in negligence litigation and criminal defense where he worked for several years. This led to his decision to become an Assistant D.A. in the office of then-Rensselaer County D.A., Con. G. (Gus) Cholakis. While he enjoyed criminal law, Dick also had a strong desire to practice labor law and to do trial work, so he went to work for Lombardi and Reinhard where he began his distinguished career in labor law by arguing many of the early decisions establishing the Taylor Law case while representing the Albany Permanent Professional Firefighters Association. Dick became a partner and head of the litigation and labor law department at Lombardi, Reinhard, Walsh & Harrison law firm, where he obtained numerous multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements for injured clients. He specialized in representing labor clients including police and firefighters unions, teachers, Plumbers and Steamfitters, Ironworkers and the International Union of Operating Engineers. He was Counsel to the Colonie PBA for 35 years and Columbia Memorial Hospital for 25 years. Dick was recognized statewide as an expert in public sector labor law, lead Counsel on the Springbok South African rugby team (which went all the way to the Supreme Court), an editor of many Public Sector Labor law publications, and an expert commentator on WRGB Channel 6 on labor law issues. He taught numerous CLEs on litigation and labor law, and lectured on labor law at Cornell University, Albany Law School, and the NYS Bar Association. Dick was also on the Board of the NYS Trial Lawyers Association. Recently, Dick joined the firm of Whiteman, Osterman and Hanna LLP, of counsel. Dick was on the Alumni Regional Board of his beloved College of the Holy Cross for over 50 years, serving as president for several terms. He was an ardent member of the Holy Cross Scholarship committee, enthusiastically supported alumni events, and generously hosted all Holy Cross meetings in his law office board room. No meeting was complete without dinner, beverages, dessert, and his light-hearted sense of humor. Dick loved his family and was a trusted friend. His genuine concern for each individual attracted people to him on both a personal and professional level. The mutual love and respect he shared with his fiancé Barbara and her son Jacob over the years made them the strongest of family units. The bond he shared with his parents and brothers, Tony and CD, was the envy of everyone. Dick enjoyed his role as counselor, whether it be in the courtroom or with friends who sought his advice in casual conversation. A good listener, his honesty and humility made him easy to talk to and fun to be around. Dick was a long-time member of the Lake George Club where he enjoyed many memorable dinners with family and friends. He was also a member of the Albany Country Club where he was often seen on the tennis court or relaxing by the pool. During the Saratoga racing season, Dick could be seen at the “Walsh table” visiting with numerous friends who would stop by to say hello. In traditional Walsh family style, special occasions were celebrated at The Palm restaurant, always beginning with Dick’s favorite, Shrimp Bruno. A devoted family man, Dick is survived by his fiancé Barbara Ardman, her son Jacob Ardman of Voorheesville, his brother Anthony Walsh of Loudonville, his aunts Jean Bufe and Regina Riel of Latham, his nephew Matthew Walsh of Duxbury, MA and several cousins. He was predeceased by his brother Charles David (CD) Walsh. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Richard’s family Sunday, April 18, 2021 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany, NY 12206. Please only enter the funeral home from the rear parking lot doorway; masks and social distancing are required; and 45 visitors at a time will be allowed in the funeral home. Funeral services Monday, April 19, 2021 at 10:00 am at St. Pius X Church, Loudonville, NY where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated. Please only enter the church from the front doorway; masks and social distancing are required; church ambassadors will be available to help with seating and questions; and please attempt to arrive before 9:45 am. The Funeral Mass can be viewed at https://www.stpiusxloudonville.org/parish-website-live-videos/ The Rite of Committal will be held at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands, NY immediately following the Funeral Mass. To leave a message for the family please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Richard P. Walsh, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of the Holy Cross Club of Eastern New York Scholarship Fund, 33 Covington Ct., Schenectady, NY 12309.

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Richard P. Walsh Jr

September 19, 1943 - April 13, 2021