John S. Walsh, 98, formerly of Manchester and Rockledge, FL, died May 21, 2012, at the home of his daughter, surrounded by his loving family, after a period of failing health.

Born in Manchester, NH on January 10, 1914, he was the son of John and Ellen (Connor) Walsh. An orphan at age three, John was raised by John and Sabina Kane. Mr. Walsh was educated in Manchester schools. He resided in the Queen City most of his life before moving to Rockledge, Florida, thirty-two years ago.

During World War II, he was a welder at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Later, he worked at J.F. McElwain Shoe Company. He was a lieutenant with the Manchester Fire Department for nine years. Until his retirement in 1979, John served as treasurer and manager of the Manchester Municipal Employees Credit Union for thirty years.

Mr. Walsh was actively involved in politics for many years. His service included two terms representing Manchester Ward Eight in the New Hampshire General Court, where he was the second youngest legislator. He was also the Ward Eight alderman for two terms. In addition, he was a member of the Executive Council of the State of New Hampshire. Appointed by Governor John King, he was chairman of the Manchester Finance Commission. He served as vice-chairman of the Manchester Democratic Party and was a delegate to the Democratic State Convention. He was a member of the Manchester Civic Progress Committee as well as the Model Cities Task Force.

Mr. Walsh was the founder of the Manchester Municipal Employees Credit Union, which is currently known as Members First Credit Union. He was the first president as well as one of the founding members of the New Hampshire Credit Union League Association. He was also instrumental in the organization of and served as a New Hampshire director of the Credit Union National Association. He was active with CUNA Insurance Company for many years.

Mr. Walsh will be remembered for his dedication to public service as well as his Irish wit and sense of humor. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Family members include two daughters, Maryellen Houle and her husband, Richard, of Manchester and Judith Walsh Heminger and her husband, Scott, of Ogunquit, Maine; three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; his sister, Mary V. Keane of Rockledge, FL; a nephew; several grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, and many dear friends.

Services: Calling hours will be held Thursday from 3 to 8 PM at the Connor-Healy Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 537 Union Street, corner of Concord Street, Manchester.

The funeral will be held Friday with a mass of Christian burial to be celebrated at 10AM in Saint Elizabeth Seton Church, Bedford.

Burial will take place in the Saint Joseph Cemetery, Bedford, NH.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Members First Credit Union Scholarship Fund, 44 Bridge Street, Manchester, NH 03104.