John Walsh Lynch, 82, of Franklin, passed away Sunday, March 23, 2008.

A native of Buffalo, NY, he was the son of the late John J. Lynch and Helen Walsh Lynch. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Rosemary Wilcox. Mr. Lynch retired after 35 years from General Binding Corporation in sales of business equipment. He was a US World War II Marine Corp veteran. John was a dedicated father and husband and loved to play golf and tennis. He was a graduate of Canisius College and a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Franklin.

Surviving are his wife, Janis Lynch; three children, Shannon Burgess and husband Mark of Glen Ellyn, IL, and their children Ryan, Abbey, and Connor; Sean Lynch and wife Robin of Houston, TX, and their children Colin and Reagan; and Julie Bobb of Denver, CO; one sister, Grace L. Wilcox of Williamsville, NY; and several nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Father Matthew Kauth will officiate.

The family will receive friends from 3:30-5 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, at Macon Funeral Home. The family will also receive friends following the service from 7-8:30 p.m. at their home, 10 Willow Place.

Pallbearers will be Sean Lynch, Mark Burgess, Benjamen Schwartz, Jonathon Pierson, Gerald Gutenstein, Chris Thornton and John Drake. Honorary Pallbearers are Bob McAllister, Allen Garrison, Robert "Sully" Sullivan, C. L. Pearson, George White, Jim Craig, Gene Hutchins, and Gardner Harshman.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church General Fund, 299 Maple Street, Franklin, NC 28734; Mountain Synagogue, PO Box 504, Franklin, NC 28744; or the Macon County Public Library, 819 Siler Road, Franklin, NC 28734.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.