John J. Walsh Jr., 79, a former Deputy Chief of the Worcester Police Dept., died Tuesday, Dec. 19 at his home in Worcester after an illness.

He leaves his wife of 56 years, Florence A. (Chaisson) Walsh; two daughters, Patricia A. and her husband John F. Harvey, and Kathleen A. and her husband Edward J. O’Brien; a sister, Eileen P. Walsh of Worcester; four grandchildren, Caitlin, Brian and Julie Harvey and Kerry O’Brien, all of Worcester; nephews and nieces. His sister Christine M. Mountain died in 2001, his sister Katherine A. Czicman died in 1995, his sister Margaret T. Birch died in 1958 and his brother William Walsh died in 1953.

John was born in Worcester, son of John J. and Katherine T. (Laffan) Walsh, and lived in Worcester all his life. He graduated in 1944 from St. John’s High School in Worcester. Many years later while working, he returned to school and earned a bachelor’s degree from Clark University in 1980.

Chief Walsh was appointed to the Worcester Police Dept. in 1953 after serving in the Worcester Police Auxiliary. He moved up through the ranks and was promoted to Deputy Chief in 1985. He served as Acting Chief of Police for most of 1991 before retiring the following year.

He had a keen interest in his Irish heritage and traveled many times to Ireland. He enjoyed singing and was a member of the Chorus of the Greendale Retired Men’s Club and a former member of the Men of Song. He also liked to garden. He was an active member of St. Charles Borromeo Parish and a former Corporator of Bay State Savings Bank.

Calling hours at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester, are Thursday, December 21 from 5 to 8 p.m. The funeral will be held on Friday, December 22 from the funeral home with a Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Charles Borromeo Church, 341 June St., Worcester. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Charles Borromeo Church or the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham 01701.