Frederic Breit Walsh (Rick), 78, of Bradenton, FL, passed away January 28, 2025, at Lakewood Ranch Hospice House in Bradenton, FL.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am on Saturday, June 21, at St. Columba Church. Burial will follow at St. Columba Cemetery.
Rick was born March 30, 1946, in Chicago, IL, to Edward J. and Geraldine (Breit) Walsh. He married Dr. Mary Klimek, and then he married Vera Sampaio.
Rick graduated from the University of Illinois, received his master’s degree in computer science from Wayne State University, MI, and was the founder and owner of Herstal Automation Laboratories Ltd. He was a systems analyst with Hewlett Packard Co. for 13 years, and he taught computer science courses at Wayne State University, MI and Manatee Technical College in Bradenton, FL. When he wasn’t working, he was an avid Ham Radio operator, enjoyed going scuba diving, and even attained his pilot’s license.
He is survived by his wife, Vera; his step son, Joseph (Isabella) Sampaio; two sisters, Karen (Nelson) Nussbaum of Ottawa, Melinda (James) Bobco of St. Clair Shores, MI; a niece, McKinley Nussbaum and Ken Chiang of Northbrook, IL; two nephews, JB (Katie) Nussbaum of Glen Ellyn, IL. and Captain James Bobco M.D. of St. Clair Shores MI; his great nieces and nephews, Gavin, Charlotte, Kennedy, and Quinn Nussbaum of Glen Ellyn, IL; and Chloe and Julia Chiang of Northbrook.
He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Edward Joseph “Skipper” Walsh Jr. and Brian Keeley Walsh.
Pallbearers will be Nelson, JB, and Gavin Nussbaum, James and James Jr. Bobco, and Ken Chiang.
Memorials may be directed to Marquette High School or St. Columba Church.
Ottawa Funeral Home & Crematory
1111 LaSalle St, Ottawa Illinois 61350
815-433-0300
www.ottawafuneralhome.com
