Stephen William
Welde, 74
CAMDEN - Stephen William Welde passed away on Sunday, October 15, 2023 at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia.
Steve was born on November 27, 1948, in Washington D.C. to the late George Mathias and Kathleen Helen (Gill) Welde. Steve attended the Catholic University of America where he met the love of his life, Constance Anne Irvin.
After college, he served in the United States Air Force as a Navigator, retiring in 1993 at the rank of Lt. Colonel. During this time, he served in Vietnam, was the Director of Plans and Programs, and was the Chief of the Command Post at Dover Air Force Base. Steve's career in the Air Force instilled a sense of pride in his life and helped foster a sense of duty and community that resonated in his everyday existence. His time in the Air Force also forged many lifelong friendships. Steve Welde was loved and respected by everyone he met.
After his military career Steve worked as a Real Estate Agent at the Real Estate Agency of Chabbott & Petrosky. He also worked at Dover Downs as a Food & Beverage Manager. In 2000, he made his final career switch and accepted the position of Senior Instructor for the Air Force Jr. ROTC Program at Caesar Rodney High School. He retired once more in 2012. Steve was an avid Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies Fan, but his passion was golfing. His favorite hole was the 19th. He enjoyed meeting his "R.O.M.E.O" friends for breakfast Tuesday mornings and his golf buddies for breakfast on Friday mornings. He was a member of the Camden Wyoming Rotary Club and served as the unofficial handyman at the accounting firm of Mitten and Winters during tax season. He also held the offices of President and Secretary for the Air Force Association Galaxy Chapter. Among the many events around Dover that Steve volunteered for, the St. Patrick's day Parade was one of his favorites. Steve's volunteerism could not be matched. He loved to give back to his community. Steve was also an avid runner. In his younger years, he could be seen running around his hometown of Camden. His favorite race was the Buffalo Stampede. Steve was an early member of the Wild Quail Country Club. Steve was a very popular fellow who loved to hang out and dine out with friends. In 2011, Steve and Connie purchased a vacation home in Cape Charles, Virginia where they became active members of that community. Serving as the President of the HOA at BayLake Condominiums kept him busy as well as being a member of the St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Parish.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Constance Irvin Welde of Camden; daughters, Lynn Welde (Pat Shields) of Magnolia, Lisa Welde Moore (Robert) of Arlington, VA, Laini Bernard (Dayna Scott) of Milford; grandchildren, Riley Shields of Dallas, TX, Peyton Shields of Magnolia, Kai Bernard of Milford, Adam Bernard of Milford, Logan Moore of Arlington; siblings, Jack Welde Sr. (Kathy) of Pawleys Island SC, Ginger Kirk (Kevin) of Boise ID, Georgeanne Welde of Boise ID, Bill Welde (Judy) of Colorado Springs CO, and Marian Nave (Bob) of Centerville MD; and his favorite four-legged companion, Bonnie.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 noon, on Friday, November 3, 2023, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 631 S. State Street, Dover. A visitation will be held from 6-8, Thursday, November 2nd during the evening at Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Rd. (Rt. 10), Dover.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Air Force Jr. ROTC program at Caesar Rodney High School. Checks can be made out to CRHS (With Jr. ROTC Boosters in the subject line/tax id 516000279) and mailed to Caesar Rodney High School (239 Old North Road, Camden, DE 19934), Attention Lisa Hale.
To send letters of condolence, and sign guestbook, please visit www.torbertfuneral.com