Charles J Walsh

Guilderland, NY-Charles J. Walsh/Peter, age 62, of Gracemore St., entered into eternal rest peacefully on Saturday afternoon, August 1, 2015 in the comfort of his home.He was surrounded by his beloved family, succumbing to a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on March 29, 1953, in Albany, son of the late Edward F. and Mary C. (Gillan) Walsh and graduated from Guilderland High School.He was united in marriage to his devoted wife of 41 years, the former Donna L. Kisby, in 1973 at Christ the King Catholic Church. Mr. Walsh retired in April of 2014 as a truck driver with Price Chopper.He was with the company for 35 years of dedicated service and he will be missed by those many friends he made.Truck driving was his passion, having over 3 million miles under his belt. Charlie was a participant in the NYS Motor Truck Association Truck Driving Championships for many years. He was a New York State TDC champion, winning in the Tank class of competition. He was an active member with the NYS Champions Council and the NYS Motor Truck Association Truck Driving Championship Committee, where he was a integral part of the success of the Truck Driving Championships. Charlie also was recognized for his safe driving record and was voted NYS Motor Truck Association Eastern Region "Driver of the Year" two years in a row. He also was a participant in the "Northeast Charity Challenge", a truck driving competition that is a major fundraiser for St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Charlie also spent many volunteer hours assisting fellow drivers with their practice to ready themselves for the truck driving competitions. He was also a certified LCV driver trainer passing on his knowledge and expertise. With all his hard work, he has made an invaluable impact on the safe driving culture at the Golub Corporation. He held membership with the Guilderland Elks Lodge #2480, Woodlawn Sportsmen's Club and was a member of the NYS Champions Council. He was a communicant of Christ the King Church, Guilderland. Charlie loved the outdoors. Duck hunting and working with his dog Keegan were his passion.It was through his many wonderful ways that Charlie connected with people and where many memories were made.He worked tirelessly and was an exemplary family provider. It was from the special times he shared with everyone he cared about, where his true success came.He will be sadly missed by all those fortunate enough to have had the ability to have known him. Survivors include his loving family; his wife Donna; his sons, Christopher Walsh and wife Heather, and Matthew Walsh and his wife Katie both of Guilderland; two brothers, Tom Walsh and wife Darlene of California, Edward Walsh and his husband Wayne also of California; his adored grandson, Lucas Matthew; many nieces, nephews, cousins and in laws. The family will be present at Guilderland's DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 521 Western Turnpike (Route 20) on Tuesday, August 4, 2015 to receive relatives and friends from 5-8 pm.Members of the Guilderland Elks are asked to meet at the funeral home in a body at 6:30 pm on Tuesday to conduct ritualistic services.Charlie's funeral will commence at 9:15 am on Wednesday, August 5th, from the chapel of DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home (Guilderland location) where prayer will be offered and at 10 am from Christ the King Church, 20 Sumpter Ave., Albany where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by the Pastor Jim Fitzmaurice.Procession will follow to Prospect Hill Cemetery, Guilderland where he will be laid to rest. Please omit floral tributes and kindly consider a memorial offering to: St. Jude Children's Hospital, American Cancer Society or to Alzheimer's Association; envelopes may be obtained at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home.The family would like to thank: St. Peter's Hospital Cancer Care Center Oncology and Radiation Units and Community Hospice of Albany County. The family would especially like to thank Bernadette Di Cocco for her compassion, advocacy and unending care.