Obituary of Raymond Welch

Raymond "Ray" L. Welch, age 77 of Millcreek, Twp., passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, October 23, 2014. He was born on August 16, 1937, the son of the late Gerald, Sr. and Alice (Snyder) Welch. He attended McDowell High School and served in the U.S. Army for 4 years. Ray retired from Quality Markets (Loblaws) in 2000 after over 40 years of employment. He was preceded in death by a son, Jeffery Lee, brothers; Bruce, Bud, sister, Maryann Briggs, and brothers-in-law; William Briggs, Gerald Blum, Gene Simeon, and David Kopf. Ray is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years Carol (Craft) Welch and his best friend, Wrangler. He was the proud father of Laurie Chrostowski (Richard), son, Doug, and Kelly (Justin Bricker). Papa Ray leaves behind an amazing legacy for his six grandchildren: Alice, Rick, Nicole, Scott, Gary, Todd, and newest grandson, Aaron to be born on October 29, 2014, as well as his great-granddaughter, Shyann. His surviving siblings are: Don Welch (Marge), Butch Welch (Emilia), Kudge Welch (Peg), Sue Romanski (Pete), and Cindy Haas (Roger), sisters-in-law; Mary Ann, Grace, Marilyn Blum (Richard Soderlund), Janet Simeon, and Patti Kopf. Ray could always be found working in his yard, helping his neighbors, taking care of his family, and sharing priceless wisdom such as, "keep it under 90". Rest up Papa and go Browns! Friends may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd. on Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m., Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and are invited to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 3108 Sterrettania Rd. on Monday at 10:00 a.m. for the funeral service. Interment Laurel Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Erie Shriners Hospital for Children, 1645 West 8th Street, Erie, PA 16508 or to Emergycare, 1701 Sassafras Street, Erie, PA 16502.