[1][2] Walsh was born in Syracuse, New York, to Irish immigrant parents.

[1] He served in the United States Army Air Forces from 1941 to 1946,[1] first as a private, and later being honorably discharged as a captain.

[1] Walsh worked in social services, including serving as a field representative for the New York State Commission Against Discrimination.

[4] He was appointed Welfare Commissioner of Onondaga County in New York State in 1959.

[5] The Center was built as a result of $10 million in federal monies[5] secured for its construction with the assistance of former United States Congress Member James T. Walsh,[1][5] William's son, who is also a Republican.