Obituary of James R. Welsch

Welsch James R. Age 82, of Penn Hills, formerly of Export and Overbrook, passed peacefully on March 13, 2013 with his daughters by his side. Beloved son of the late Lawrence and Eleanor (Brown) Welsch, loving and proud father of 8 daughters and 1 son: Therese (Alan) Brooks, Kathleen Welsch, Rosemary (Brenda Smith) Welsch, Lorraine Welsch, Thomas (Tracy) Welsch, Mary M. (John W. Brown) Welsch, Jennifer Welsch, Annette (Joe) McLeod and Caroline Hopper, grandfather of Daniel Karp, James Brooks, Julia Brooks and Aubrey Welschcox, great-grandfather of Ben Karp and Elizabeth Brooks, brother of the late Lawrence "Zig" Welsch and Roseann Pearce. A veteran of the Korean War, serving in the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. A former telephone repairman for Bell Telephone/At&T and retired as a telecommunications technician for the Univ. of Pittsburgh. He discovered the joy of cycling in his 60"s and spent many happy weekends on bike trails with his children. He enjoyed flights over Pittsburgh in the Liberty Belle B-17, riding the USS Thatch from Hong Kong to Yokosuka Japan, attending grand-children"s events and spending time with his various dogs and Petey the cockatoo. He was also an avid, life long fan of the Steelers and Pirates. Mr. Welsch guest starred as the telephone repairman on an episode of Mr. Roger"s Neighborhood. He was in every sense a gentleman. He brought joy to those who knew him and lived a long and wonderful life. He was adored and loved deeply, and will remain in our hearts forever. Much gratitude to the staff and residents of UPMC Cranberry Place for the care and friendship they gave him in his last years. Friends received Sunday, 2-4 & 6-8 PM, in the Warchol Funeral Home, Inc., 3060 Washington Pike, Bridgeville, where a Catholic Funeral Service will be held Monday at 9:30 AM. Memorials may be made to the Fred Roger"s Center, 300 Fraser Purchase Rd., Latrobe, PA 15650 or Animal Friends, 562 Camp Horn Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15237.