Beloved Naugatuck Teacher Dies After Battle With Cancer

NAUGATUCK, CT — The community is mourning the loss of Tim Walsh, a beloved teacher at Naugatuck High School who died Thursday after a long battle with cancer. Walsh began his career as a social studies teacher at Naugatuck High School in 1996.

“Tim was a beloved colleague, teacher, friend, and family member who inspired the best in people,” officials wrote in a post on the school district’s Facebook page.

The district also shared photos of “Team Walsh” participating in the Closer to Free bike ride and Clash for the Cure basketball tournament that benefitted the Smilow Cancer Hospital. “Team Walsh” raised tens of thousands of dollars in Walsh’s name.

“When Tim was well enough after chemotherapy, Tim, in his selfless, strong, and quiet way, participated in the ride himself,” officials wrote. “Those of us lucky enough to have known, worked with, or been taught by Tim Walsh are better people for it. Our hearts go out to Tim’s wife Jill, a teacher at NHS, his two little girls, his sister Deborah Rutigliano, and all that loved him.”

The Facebook post quickly generated more than 100 comments, with many coming from Walsh’s former students, colleagues and friends.

“I am devastated to hear this,” one person wrote. “He was a friend since childhood and most recently, my son’s teacher. My condolences to his wife and family. Completely heartbroken.”

Another person wrote, “Such a big loss to the NHS community. I remember Tim fondly from my years teaching there. Such a great person. My thoughts and prayers to his family.”

A former student wrote, “Prayers to Walsh family… Have some great high school memories with Mr. Walsh as my teacher. Amazing guy who really understood how to connect with every student.”

Read more at the school district’s Facebook page here.