Joseph H. Welch Jr., 69, A lifelong resident of Lawrence, Massachusetts died at his home on Saturday, July 26, 2008.
He was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts on September 19, 1938 to Joseph H. Sr. and Mary (Welsh) Welch. He attended St. Rita’s Grammar School and was a 1958 Graduate of Lawrence High School. A standout athlete on the track team, he was a record holder in the 100 yard dash, excelled in the broad jump and the shot put, and was recently nominated for the Lawrence High School Hall of Fame. He also served in the Army National Guard.
Mr. Welch was a 34 year veteran of the Lawrence Police Department having retired in 2001. Appointed in the police reserve on December 21, 1967, he was made a permanent officer on May 16, 1971. He worked under cover in auto theft and recovery, and also worked with the Arson Investigation Team in unison with the Lawrence Fire Department investigating suspicious fires. He returned to duty as a Patrol Officer until his retirement. He was past President of the Lawrence Police Patrolmen’s Association. According to Lawrence Police Chief Romero he was known to be a tough but compassionate and loyal man. He was devoted father, husband, and grandfather, he coached South Lawrence West Little League Baseball for several years and loved the outdoors. He was a keen and avid fisherman.
He is the husband of the late Sally H. (Burke) Welch to whom he was married for 43 years. He is survived by his daughters: Camerone A. Thorson and her husband Andrew of Irvine, CA and Lynn Jacques of Salem, NH, and his Son: Joseph W. and his wife Christine Welch of Methuen, MA. His grandchildren Nicholas Thorson of Irvine, CA, Heather, Christopher, Daniel and Timothy Jacques of Salem, NH, and Elizabeth and Matthew Welch of Methuen, MA. His brothers: John Welch of Amherst, NH and Jerald Welch of South Carolina. His sisters-in-law: Francine Curran of Methuen, MA. and MariJo Secord of North Salem, NH. as well as several nieces and nephews.
A funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, July 31, 2008 at 11:00AM in St. Patrick Church in South Lawrence, Massachusetts. A burial will follow in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery.
Friends may call on Wednesday, July 30, 2008 from 3:00PM to 7:00PM At the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home Inc. 122 Amesbury Street, Lawrence, MA. 01841. For more information or to send an online condolence go to www.breenfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Caritas Holy Family Hospital, 70 East Street, Methuen, MA. 01844, In memory of Mr. & Mrs. Joseph H. Welch Jr.