KERNERSVILLE, N.C. — VanWal Pest Elimination Services opened its second operation center in January in North Carolina as it remembered its founder, Richard C. Walsh, who died in 2007.
Walsh started in the pest management industry in 1967 when he helped found Bergen Exterminating, North Bergen, N.J. He spent more than 40 years in the industry until his death in October 2007.
“Richard was instrumental in his participation and formation in the family business ventures,” said his son Patrick Walsh.
Walsh, born in 1939, helped found and grow four pest control and service businesses in New Jersey, four in Florida and one in the Carolinas. His sons, Patrick and Richard Jr., have both worked in the industry as owners and operators of several pest service businesses.
Formed in 2003 in Palm City, Fla., VanWal Services expanded its operations into the Carolinas with a new service base located in the Triad Region of North Carolina in 2006.
“As one of the original ‘exterminators,’ Richard will be greatly missed by his friends and family,” Patrick said. “His love for the exterminating business — as he always referred to it, refusing to say pest control — was always proudly displayed as he always took great pride in being referred to as an ‘exterminator’ and even ‘the bug man.’”
The recent expansion in the Carolinas for ValWal comes just two years after the company expanded into the region. Roberta VanMoorleghem will remain as president and co-owner of the Florida operations while husband and VanWal Co-Owner Michel VanMoorleghem will manage daily service operations in Florida.
Michele Kabei-Walsh has been named president and co-owner of VanWal Services of the Carolinas. Patrick Walsh will manage the sales and marketing in the Carolinas while continuing to serve as technical director of operations for both locations.
The company plans to expand services into South Carolina, Virginia and a possible return to New Jersey where the Walsh Family started in the pest control industry back in 1967.
Richard Walsh is survived by his two sons, Richard and Patrick; their wives, Dawn and Michele; and his grandchildren: James, Preston, Alana, Bronte, Janelle and Brandon.
“The thing I think we will all miss the most is the constant laughter we all shared whenever he was around,” Patrick said. “Somehow he even made killing bugs fun.”