Funeral Mass will be celebrated March 31, 10:30 a.m., at St. Eugene Church in Los Angeles for Father Patrick Walsh, 74, pastor emeritus of St. Eugene, who died March 23 in Atascadero, California. Father Walsh was pastor of St. Eugene for 22 years before his retirement in 2002.

A native Californian, he entered Los Angeles College (the Junior Seminary) after graduating from St. Michael School in Los Angeles. Upon completion of his seminary studies at St. John's in Camarillo, he was ordained on May 1, 1958.

Father Walsh's early assignments as associate pastor included St. Charles, North Hollywood; Transfiguration and Immaculate Heart, Los Angeles; St. John's, Inglewood; and St. Pius V, Buena Park. From 1974-78, he served as an associate at St. Eugene followed by two years as parish administrator.

Father Walsh became pastor of St. Eugene on the 22nd anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood, May 1, 1980. Committed to social justice and to serving people in need, he privately financially helped many persons, including young persons who needed financial assistance for their education.

After retiring at age 70, he moved to Atascadero in San Luis Obispo County to live close to his older brother, Michael Eamon, who predeceased him in January of this year. While in retirement, he served as associate pastor for St. William Church, celebrating weekly and Sunday Mass.

Survivors include his sister, Sister of Social Service Sheila Walsh, and several nieces and nephews. A reception following the funeral Mass will be held at St. Eugene, followed by burial at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City.

Donations in Father Walsh's memory may be sent to the Father Patrick J. Walsh Scholarship Fund c/o Father Paul Menke, 2510 S. Fremont Ave., Alhambra, CA 91803; the Sisters of Social Service, 4316 Lanai Road, Encino, CA 91436; and/or JERICHO: Education and Voice for Justice (an Interfaith Public Policy and Social Justice Lobby founded by Sister Sheila Walsh in 1987), 1225 Eighth St, #590, Sacramento, CA 95814.