Birth date: Aug 10, 1949 Death date: Dec 24, 2025
John Toner “Jate” Walsh, 76, of Milton, Delaware, passed away at home on December 24, 2025. Born on August 10, 1949, in Lewes, Delaware, Jate was the son of William E. Walsh Jr. and Florence T. Walsh. A lifelong Sussex County resi Read Obituary
Jate was a very private person,but always had a smile. He ran the RBP with respect and honor. He is now with Tommy Coveleski in heaven trading lifeguard stories. God be with you Jate.
As a fellow RBP lifeguard from 1969 - 1974, I spent many hours on the stand with Jate. He was always vigilant as a guard, and also an interesting stand partner. With all of his stories, there was never a dull moment. I enjoyed occasionally running into Jate at the Lewes Oyster House, which is located in the Walsh Building, so Jate was a natural guest there.
Gary Nennstiehl
Jate and I met at happy hour in Gilligans and immediately became friends. He was a true Lewes local. He had interests in so many subjects that he could always generate a good conversation. I learned later about his interest in music and was delighted with his guitar music and vocals. He had a vast knowledge of history, in particular the Civil War. He enjoyed gemstones and we often compared notes on our findings!
A true gentleman who is greatly missed in Lewes!
As an alum of the Rehoboth Beach Patrol, I feel there is always a bond among fellow lifeguards. Jate was a very proud member of the RBP and he was honored to serve as its Captain. I don't remember Jate ever having anything negative to say about anyone. RIP Jate
Scot Dapp
I WAS SHOCKED TO HEAR OF JATE'S PASSING, HE AND I BECAME FRIENDS IN THE `1980'S WHEN HE WAS CAPITAN OF THE REHOBOTH BEACH, PATROL, JATE AND I WOULD WALK THE BOARDWALK TOGETHER AND TALK ABOUT ALL KIND OF SUBJECT'S BUT MOSTLY GIRLSi! I WILL MISS HIM DEARLY AS WE WERE BORN THE SAME YEAR ,1949, GOD SPEED MR. JOHN T WALSH !!
Mr.Walsh was my favorite history teacher and a great mentor in teaching. I was his baseball mgr. As I enjoyed being around him as well as had much respect. He was a great teacher, friend, lifeguard and person. RIP Sir. You will be missed.
Jate a wonderful man and a great influence and friend to my entire family. He was a wealth of knowledge. Whether it was American history or the history of our little town, he had so many fascinating stories. We will miss him very much and are so grateful that we got the time with him that we did.
Jate and I lifeguarded together at CHSP before he went to Rehoboth to guard. We graduated together at LHS in 67 and then roomed together at Wesley College before he went on to UD. He was in the All State Band in high school and played in several bands over the years. He was liked by everyone and will be missed.
Jate and I were hall neighbors at Cape Henlopen High School for many years. The stories and memories are too numerous to mention. Just let it be said Jate was a beloved teacher and colleague who will be dearly missed.
