Obituary of Richard Eugene Welch

Mr. Richard E. Welch, 87, of Fort Plain, New York, passed away Saturday, May 10, 2014 at the Mountain Valley Hospice House in Gloversville, New York. Dick was born September 6, 1926 to Charles and Dorothea Welch. He was a graduate of Fort Plain High School, Class of 1944 and was a lifetime resident of Fort Plain. Dick was a veteran of the United States Army Infantry Division, serving from 1944 to 1947, stationed in the Phillipines. On September 20, 1947, Dick was married to Ruth Louise Klock. She preceded him in death on March 27, 2006. He was also predeceased by his son, William Welch, twin sister, Jean Dievendorf, and brother, Grayden Welch. He was a lifetime member of the Reformed Church of Fort Plain. Dick worked in the plumbing, heating, and roofing business his entire life. He owned and operated his own business with many loyal customers before retiring to care for his wife who suffered from MS. Dick loved his family and was especially proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His interests included camping, hunting, and fishing, and his family is left with many wonderful memories of times spent together. Mr. Welch is survived by his two sons, James (Sarah) Welch of Fort Plain, NY, Terry (Ellen) Welch of Canajoharie, NY; daughter, JoAnn (Bud) Waner of Fort Plain, NY; grandchildren, Shannon (Rich) Gannon, Joshua (Jennifer) Welch, Melissa (Jason) Welch, Amanda (Jide) Welch, Dillon, Welch, Abbey Welch, Dan (Betsy) Oldick, Joel (Donata) Oldick, Debra (Ryan) Reese; step-grandchildren, Bryn (Myra) Trumbull, Bobbie Jo (Mark) Rowland, Frederick, Sarah, Ann, Alexander and Samantha Kuhne; 8 great-grandchildren; 5 step-great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-step-grandson; sister-in-law, Charlotte Johnson; brothers-in-law, Raymond Klock, Owen Dievendorf; nieces; nephews; cousins; and his faithful feline companion, Tilly. Mr. Welch's family wishes to thank Mountain Valley Hospice for their gentleness, love and support. A celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at the Reformed Church of Fort Plain with a time of family greeting beginning at 12 noon followed by a service at 1:00pm. Arrangements are under the direction of Gray-Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, 34 Center Street, Fort Plain, NY 13339. Burial will take place at Fort Plain Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please consider donations in memory of Mr. Richard E. Welch to Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Ave., Gloversville, NY 12078; Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter, Inc., 133 Hilltop Road, Sprakers, NY 12166; or Fort Plain Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 374, Fort Plain, NY 13339.