July 26, 2007 Issue                                       

©2007 The Chestnut Hill Local

Tom Walsh, Chestnut Hill’s ‘Mayor’, turns 45
by PAULA M. RILEY

TomWalsh

If you have ever stopped to talk to Tom Walsh on the Avenue, you have probably walked away feeling good. The 44-year-old Chestnut Hill native, a fixture as familiar a sight on the Avenue as the Belgian blocks, has spent his life sharing his infectious smile with everyone he meets.

Next week, the unofficial “Mayor of Chestnut Hill” will turn 45.

Walsh grew up on East Meade Street the youngest of five children. Much of his childhood was spent attending the basketball, football and baseball games of his older siblings. He would dutifully take position on the sideline to root for his brother, three sisters and their teammates.

Walsh began his mascot career early, getting his first taste of cheering when he was four years old. He served as the mascot of the Our Mother of Consolation school football team where his older brother Jack played.

“I never missed a game,” he said, proudly.

Later, as he grew up, Walsh spent many hours at the Water Tower baseball fields, cheering for the little league teams his father coached there. His enthusiasm then was as contagious as it is now.

A lifelong Philadelphia sports fan, Walsh loves attending Phillies, Eagles, Sixers and Flyers games. His siblings and many friends accompany him to these games.  Unlike many local Phillies fans, Walsh cheers for his team regardless their performance. “It’s okay if they are doing terrible; I like them!”

Whether he is discussing the Phillies or his favorite TV show, Walsh’s broad smile widens and his eyes sparkle. He is incredibly animated, often giggling as he answers questions and tells stories. It is hardly obvious that Walsh is developmentally disabled.

Six days a week, Walsh works for the Chestnut Hill Parking Foundation and the Chestnut Hill Business Association. He serves as a parking attendant in various lots and a delivery person for the Business Association. “I love my job. I love seeing and talking to all the shop owners,” says Walsh, beaming as he describes his workday, “Everyone says, ‘Hi Tom!’” He distributes brochures, cleans up trash and does errands and deliveries. Walsh enjoys the spring and fall festivals the best because he gets to dance all day. When Rene comments on Walsh’s dancing skills, Tom stands up and shakes his hips to demonstrate his skills.

“Tom is the Mayor of Chestnut Hill. Everyone knows him,” says Anne McNally. She thinks it is wonderful that the community has always embraced and accepted Walsh despite his differences. “That is what makes Chestnut Hill so special.” she continues, “This is a community where Tommy has absolutely blossomed. He is such a great example of achievement.”

If achievement means leading a full life, Walsh certainly has done that. He starts his days with a morning swim at the Philadelphia Cricket Club, where he is a member. He works a full day in Chestnut Hill and spends his free time engaged in a wide variety of activities and hobbies.

As a member of ADD, Adults with Developmental Disabilities, Walsh participates in many social activities. Trips to the theatre, amusement parks, dances and the Poconos are just a few of the programs sponsored by ADD. It is through this group that Walsh met his female companion Cara, who lives in Roxborough.  “I’m so happy when I am with her,” says a smiling Walsh. They are both fans of roller coasters and enjoy going to amusement parks, movies and the theatre together with the ADD group.

Every Wednesday night, Walsh can be found at the Crefeld School gym, where his brother Jack plays in a basketball league. Tom comes each week, “My job,” he proudly declares, “is to collect their money and record it in a book.”  As he has done his whole life, Walsh cheers for the teams and occasionally joins in the game. The evening always ends with drinks at McNally’s where, Anne McNally says, Walsh is treated as a regular. 

Walsh’s siblings continue to play a huge role in his lif. He lives with his sister Rene and her husband Rich McMenamin in Chestnut Hill. In 2002 when their mother moved to a nursing home in Wyncote, Rene returned to Chestnut Hill to live with her younger brother. He has the entire third floor of the home, complete with a big screen TV, computer and piano. One of Walsh’s many pastimes is playing the piano.  He has been taking lessons for years and favors jazz and ragtime music.

Growing up in the Walsh home included family sing-a-longs around the piano. Walsh’s mother played by ear, often leading the family in song as they stood around the thundering instrument. Her children continue this tradition when they visit her in the nursing home. “We put on shows at the nursing home,” laughs Rene McMenamin, “it doesn’t take much to get us all singing.”

Walsh is extremely close with his ten nieces and nephews, one great nephew and two great nieces. They play music together, share books and often travel with one another. With his siblings, Walsh has visited Cabo San Lucas, the Grand Canyon, San Francisco, Florida, and the Caribbean (via a cruise), in addition to regular visits to Ocean City, NJ. Last year, everyone went to Ireland where Walsh tried a couple of Irish beers and accompanied his brother and in-laws in their golf outings. Walsh’s has no plans to stop traveling; he hopes to get to Hawaii and Hollywood next.