04/22/2025
Peter Mallon Walsh
(March 8, 1947- April 18, 2025)
Peter was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He would also want to be remembered as a poet, writer, singer, performer, and bar owner. He loved music, literature, and, of course, track. He spent his quiet moments with either a book or pen in hand at his home in Watermill, New York. In his less quiet moments, Peter’s spirit and voice could turn any taproom or gathering into a grand performance as his poems and songs took flight. Peter’s family is grateful to his friends who have held him in their hearts as he battled cancer with grace, humility, and a contagious sense of gratitude.
Born and raised in New York City, Peter attended Marist College before enlisting in the US Army and serving in Vietnam. On the GI Bill, Peter earned a Diploma in Anglo-Irish Studies at Trinity College in Dublin where he published a book of poetry, 12 Passports and A Stowaway. A devout admirer of James Joyce, Peter began collecting rare books while in Dublin, eventually donating his collection to the Glucksman Irish House at New York University. Returning from Dublin, Peter opened his first restaurant and bar, Pudding’s. Here, his love for running began as Pudding’s became a hangout for running clubs whose members impressed and inspired Peter, propelling him to run marathons.
Following the sale of Pudding’s, Peter owned Coogan’s Restaurant in Washington Heights with his partners and friends, David Hunt and Tess McDade. Greeting everyone who came to Coogan’s with a warm embrace and infectious smile, Peter had a genuine love for people and was passionate about uplifting his community. Coogan’s was a pillar in northern Manhattan thanks in large part to Peter’s unique ability to make all patrons feel comfortable, valued, and joyful. Next door to the fastest in-door track in the world and home to the National Indoor Track Hall of Fame, Peter was a champion of the NYC track and field community. In addition to cementing Coogan’s as the home of the running community in New York City, Peter founded the Coogan’s Salsa, Blues and Shamrocks 5k run, which for 15 years raised funds for youth running programs.
In his retirement, Peter was welcomed by the jazz community in Sag Harbor, NY and found a stage and a microphone at a long-standing weekly jazz night where you could find him every Friday night. While working on his first novel, Peter was writing poems and songs at a voracious pace. His completed work that documents the 1877 shipwreck of the Circassian is the most comprehensive study of the event. In his final days, he completed a series he titled Poems to Be Read, Songs to Be Sung.
A lover of life, Peter always saw the best in people and could find the light in the dark. He loved his wife, Suzanne, more than anything in the world and his children, Conor, Alice and Dana are beyond grateful for everything their father taught them about the beautiful gift that life truly is. Joy is Strength.
A Celebration of Peter’s life will take place on Saturday, May 3rd at The Armory Track + Field Ctr., 216 Ft Washington Avenue NY
Program begins at 2pm.
If you would like to make a donation in Peter’s honor to either of the organizations below, we know he would be most grateful.
Armory Foundation Youth Program- Keeping Kids on Track
Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center @ Columbia Presbyterian Hospital
Donation links in the comments.
Photo courtesy of David Lee.
