Dr. Stephen J. Walsh

Dr. Stephen J. Walsh, 85, formerly of Franklin, Massachusetts and Cape Cod, died on April 2, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with Metastatic Melanoma.

Born in Newark, New Jersey, on March 24, 1941, to Francis and Christine Drevenak Walsh. Steve was a graduate of Immaculate Conception, Montclair, NJ, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA and earned his dental degree from St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO. This was the beginning of a long and respected career. For many years, Franklin was home, where he built both his life and a trusted dental practice, caring for generations of patients. He took great pride in his work and the relationships he formed there. He was adored by patients and staff alike.

In 1977, he married his beloved wife Margaret (Peg) Adams Mosshammer Smyth. Steve found great joy in time spent at their home on Cape Cod, where summers were filled with simple pleasures and family moments. He enjoyed spending time fishing on his boat, “The Reel Doc.”

In his retirement, he and his wife Peg embraced a new rhythm of life, traveling the world and spending winters on the beautiful island of St. Barth, a place he truly loved and where he supported her in her island-based business.

An avid sports fan, he was particularly devoted to the New England Patriots; Steve and Peg attended every "Big Game" in which the Patriots played. Above all, he was devoted to his grandchildren, with whom he shared a close and loving bond. To them, he was “GrandDoc.”

In addition to his wife of 49 years, he is survived by his stepchildren Kimberly Smyth Pellegri (Joseph) Franklin, MA, Dr. Mark Smyth (Cynthia) St. Petersburg, FL, Thomas Smyth (Amy) Pompano Beach, FL and West Dennis MA; grandchildren USAF Major Vincent Pellegri (Samantha) Rabat Morocco, Matthew Pellegri (Katie) Holliston, MA, Thomas Smyth Jr. (Meghan) Brighton, MA, Reegan Smyth St. Petersburg, FL, Tyler Smyth Pompano Beach, FL, Lilia Smyth Los Angeles, CA, Nathaniel Smyth Atlanta, GA; great grandchildren Darin Pellegri, Rabat Morocco, Nora and Josie Pellegri Holliston, MA; his sister Arlene Fleming Peabody, MA, cousin Edward (Bernice) Van Geizen Orleans, MA, niece Christine Fleming Reading, MA, great nieces Lisa Desimone Boston, MA, Ashley Desimone Boston, MA & grand niece Julia Desimone of Hingham.

He was predeceased by his granddaughter Camille Smyth and his nieces, Diane Fleming Craig and Catherine (John) DeSimone.

Whether through his work in the dental office or a well-timed self-deprecating joke, many lives have been made better by the life he lived. Steve will be deeply missed by all.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his calling hours Thursday April 23rd, in the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. from 4-7PM.

His funeral service will be held Friday April 24th, in the Franklin Federated Church 171 Main Street Franklin at 11AM. Burial will follow at Union Street Cemetery.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Dr. Stephen J. Walsh to the Melanoma Research Fund at Massachusetts General Hospital at https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate/melanoma

Guestbook www.franklinfuneral.com