Charles Walsh Obituary

Charles H. Walsh

Charles H. "Chuck" Walsh, of Lake Forest and Naples, FL, formerly of Elmhurst, passed peacefully at home surrounded by family members; left behind to cherish his memory are his wife, Janie, nee Comtess; children, Charles Jr. (Violetta), Julia (Kenneth) Wegner and Katie; grandchildren, Gavin, Spencer and Veronica Wegner and Gabrielle Walsh.

Chuck was born in Chicago during the depression era and due to the difficult times, he and his brother were placed in an orphanage. He went on to live and attend school in 3 different orphanages for 11 of his first 17 years. Chuck attended DePaul University in Chicago putting himself through school with a full time job and performing as a professional musician playing the Alto Saxophone in a jazz band.

A chance meeting with a former classmate convinced him to enlist in the US Military principally to take advantage of the GI bill. He joined the National Guard 33rd Division in Chicago and became a soldier in the Army, in a short time wearing the rank of Sergeant First Class.

Upon his return from the Korean War, Chuck attended Northwestern University again working his way through his education. Originally a Music Major, a professor suggested he study business. Chuck graduated with a Business degree from Northwestern. Working various jobs, he settled in Elmhurst in 1967 and raised a family there with his first wife, the late Sophia. There in the basement of their home he created his first company, Associated Professional Consultants, Inc. It was a management consulting company for physicians and dentists.

Chuck went on to develop several companies throughout his lifetime including the Title Company of America, Walsh Partners, Walsh and Gahlberg Real Estate Group, Inc. and Walsh and Reynold's Financial Group. He was also instrumental in the redevelopment of downtown Elmhurst including City Hall. He was an active member of several Boards including Chairman of the Board of Governors Elmhurst Memorial Hospital for 12 years, Chairman of Elmhurst Federal Savings, President of the Society of Medical and Dental Management Consultants and Owner and Board member of the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bulls Teams.

Philanthropy was very important to Chuck as he contributed his time and treasure to various organizations including Veteran's groups and Catholic Charities. Most dear to his heart was his involvement with Maryville Academy in DesPlaines, IL where he served as Chairman of the Chuckwagon Fundraiser and as Chairman of their Board for several years. He was most proud of his ability to help that school through troubled times, the orphanage where he spent his youth.

Chuck and his wife Janie settled in Lake Forest, IL with their daughter Katie. They enjoyed much travel throughout the world together including spending time at their home in Naples, FL. They worked together raising funds for several charities including Chairing the Catholic Charities St. Nicholas Ball. However, their best times spent together were in their lovely backyard listening to music and the sounds of their beautiful waterfall. He left our world a better place and will be dearly missed by everyone who ever met him. As a lifelong fan of Frank Sinatra, "He did it his way."

Visitation Thursday, June 7, 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 950 W. Everett, Lake Forest, IL. Mass of Christian Burial Friday, June 8, 2018, 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Lake Forest. Interment to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Maryville Academy Development Department, 1150 N. River Road, DesPlaines, IL 60016 or www.maryvilleacademy.org.