Michael Joseph Walsh, 72, of Peabody, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at Lahey Hospital Medical Center, Burlington. A life long resident of Peabody, he was born on May 25, 1944, the son of the late M. Joseph and Ruth E. (McLeod) Walsh. Michael graduated from Peabody Trade School in 1963. He had been a machinist for Atwood and Morrill Co. in Salem (now Weir Valves & Control USA Inc. of Ipswich) for over 40 years. During this time, he served as shop steward for almost 20 years. He retired in 2009.

For many years, Michael was an assistant dance instructor in ballroom dancing. He especially enjoyed family celebrations where he could partner with his mother on the dance floor. After retirement, he volunteered for several years at the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem. He was looking forward to getting another kitten after Christmas. Each year, his vegetable garden was his pride. The produce was shared with his family, neighbors, and a local church pantry. Michael had inherited our mother’s “green Thumb.”

He is survived by his two sisters, Patricia A. (Walsh) Moulton of Wilmington, MA and Mary E. (Walsh) Parry and her husband James of Groveland, several nieces and nephews, many grandnieces and nephews and one great grand niece.

In accordance with Michael’s wishes, funeral arrangements are private. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Northeast Animal Shelter, 347 Highland Ave., Salem, MA 01970 or to the charity of your choice. Assisting the family with arrangement is the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur funeral Home of Peabody. For guest book, visit www.ccbfuneral.com

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