Walter A. Welch Jr., 84

LEWES - Walter A. Welch Jr. died Friday, Sept. 14, 2007, at his home in Lewes. It was his 84th birthday.

Mr. Welch was born and raised in Chester, Pa., where he attended Immaculate Heart of Mary Parochial School and St. James High School, graduating in 1942.

He was a resident of the Garden City section of Wallingford, Pa., for 43 years, moving to Lewes 11 years ago.

Mr. Welch was employed as a carpenter with the Carpenters Union Local 845, Delaware County, working most of his career with the Nolan Brothers Contractors in Chester.

He enjoyed model airplanes, woodworking and was an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan.

Mr. Welch was a founding member of St. John"s Chrysostom Church, Wallingford.

He was a parishioner of the Mary Mother of Peace Catholic Church, Lewes.

Mr. Welch was a U.S. Army veteran who served during World War II in the Battle of the Bulge.

He was a decorated veteran who received a Purple Heart Medal, a Combat Infrantry Badge and a Bronze Star.

Mr. Welch was preceded in death by his parents, Walter A. Sr. and Julia (Cummins) Welch.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Katherine (Van Arsdale) Welch; three sons, Walter F. Welch and his wife Deborah of Pittsburgh, Pa., Thomas E. Welch and his wife Judy of West Chester, Pa., and Joseph M. Welch of Eddystone, Pa.; and five grandchildren.

A funeral mass will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at the St. John Chrysostom Church, 617 S. Providence Road, Wallingford.

Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. today and 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in Nolan-Fidale Funeral Home, 2316 Providence Ave., Chester.

Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon, Pa.

Instead of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Delaware Hospice, 3515 Silverside Road, Wilmington, DE 19810.