Philip J. Walsh, dedicated family man and friend, died peacefully on Tuesday, Jan. 28, surrounded by loved ones, at Bear Hill Nursing Center in Stoneham after a brief illness. He was 77. Mr. Walsh was born in Stoneham to the late Michael and Margaret Walsh. He was raised in Melrose, graduated Melrose High School in 1942 and served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1943 to 1944. While working as a meat cutter at Tedson's Market in Melrose, he met his future wife, Shirley A. Mutch. They fell quickly in love, married in 1951 and had their first child on their first wedding anniversary. His wife preceded him in death in 1975, but remained his one true love. Mr. Walsh spent most of his working days as a typewriter and office machine repairman in Boston, Brookline and Melrose. He enjoyed tinkering with electronics, and invented the ``BC Blaster,'' a control box for the original Atari video game. He coached baseball teams for the St. Mary's Catholic Church CYO in Melrose and, with his wife, was active in the March of Dimes battle against polio. He lost his voice to cancer, but joined a Lost Chords club and learned to speak again. He often used his newfound voice to talk to school groups about the dangers of cigarette smoking. He was a keen cribbage player and an avid golfer who was proud of twice hitting a hole-in-one, both times at Mount Hood golf course in Melrose. After retiring, Mr. Walsh split his time between Melrose and Florida, where he was a gracious host. He moved into Bear Hill Nursing Center in 1995 after suffering a head injury that took away some of his mobility, but not his smile or quick wit. He came to call Bear Hill his home, grew fond of the staff and residents, and was loved and well cared for by all who worked there. Most of all, he treasured his family, teaching them the meaning of patience, love and giving. Mr. Walsh is survived by five children: Susan E. Denley of Melrose and her husband Brian;, Philip M. Walsh of Malden; Robert J. Walsh of Woburn and his wife Andrea; Thomas E. Walsh of Quincy and his wife Ekaterina; and Patricia Saintelus, of Woburn. He leaves nine grandchildren, Jennifer, Michael, Adam, Katie, Alex, Hannah, Nicholas and Emily. He is survived by three sisters, Eileen Cronin of Wakefield, Phyllis Martin of Paoli, Penn., and Tolly Millerick, of Canton. He was the brother of the late Bernard Walsh. Mr. Walsh touched countless others with spiritual guidance, helping them take life one day at a time. A funeral mass will be held at St. Marys Church Herbert St. Melrose on Monday February 3rd at 10AM. Arrangements by Gately Funeral Service in Melrose. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Bear Hill Employees Benefit Fund, 11 North St., Stoneham 02180.