Chuck lived in three different orphanages for 11 of his first 17 years. Happily, the third orphanage was Maryville where he met new friends and learned many lessons for his future life. In those days, the boys attended academic classes for half days and learned different vocational skills for half days. In an interview with Forest & Bluff magazine in 2006, Chuck remembered “I started out as a baker’s assistant, worked on the dairy farm, and then worked in the campus shoe shop where I learned to make shoes.” When he left Maryville at 17, Chuck was hired at Florsheim Shoes and was able to support himself with the life skills he learned at Maryville.
Given the times, Chuck joined the Army and was sent to Korea. When he returned to the U.S. and completed his time in the Army, Chuck returned to college. With the academic foundation he learned at Maryville, Chuck earned his B.A. in business administration and started his own company. Chuck was successful in his businesses. Later he became part owner of the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bulls.
Chuck did not forget his years at Maryville. In the interview with Forest & Bluff magazine. Chuck emphasized, “Maryville instilled in me a love of family.” Chuck was devoted to his family and reached out to others in need. In a special way, Chuck supported the Maryville family and served as a member of its Board of Directors. For several years, Chuck was Chair of the Board. Charles H. Walsh Sr. passed away in 2018.
Inspired by the educational mission of Jen School and the life-changing work of the faculty and staff, his wife Janie Walsh has donated to the renovation of the Niles school building that will become the new school site. As a recognition of the legacy of Chuck – a Maryville alum who has helped many – the Board of Directors is naming the future school: Charles H. Walsh Sr. Academy and Career Tech High School.
