Joseph “Joe” Welch, 85, of Atkinson, N.H., died at the Parkland Regional Hospital June 3, in Derry, N.H., surrounded by his family.
Welch was born on March 23, 1930 in New York, N.Y. He was the son of John and Catherine (Brogan) Welch. Raised in Arlington, he graduated from Somerville High in 1948 where he was a lettered athlete in football and hockey. He was married to Anna (David) Welch of Haverhill for 64 years. The Welches resided in Haverhill while Joe worked at Western Electric and AT&T Network Systems where he was a section chief. Following retirement, they enjoyed homes in Bryant Woods, Atkinson, N.H., andNaples Fla.
Welch was an avid sportsman throughout his life. He played first base for several local teams and in the 50s, helping organize the Wasmaco men’s hockey team that played at the outdoor rink in Amesbury. A huge supporter of and participant in Haverhill youth hockey, he was instrumental in establishing the Haverhill hockey rink and transitioning the Haverhill High hockey team to the Greater Boston League. He umpired and refereed regional baseball and hockey games, enjoyed boating and teaching his kids and their friends how to water-ski, and was a member of Crystal Springs Golf course for over 35 years.
He enjoyed a busy social life with family and friends. He and Anna put five children through college and he enjoyed celebrating his children’s successes.
Welch is survived by his wife Anna, his son Joe Welch and daughter-in-law Tricia (Leal) Welch of Longmeadow, son Daniel and daughter-in-law Marie (Durso) Welch of San Francisco, daughter Maureen Welch and son-in-law Arnie Fuog of Highlands, N.J., daughter Sheila (Welch) Mullen and son-in-law Timothy Mullen of Cotuit, and son Jack Welch of Bradford. He also leaves six grandchildren: Andrew and Michael Welch, Liz and Emma Welch, and Henry and Tom Mullen and many nephews and nieces including Nancy (David) Sears-Russell.
Friends and family are invited to call Saturday, June 6, from 9 until 11 a.m., at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main St., Haverhill. Funeral services will follow the visitation at 11am in the funeral home. Burial will be in St. James Cemetery, 360 Primrose Street, Haverhill.