Geneseo: At age 87, Howard passed away on January 25, 2024. Howard was born on January 11, 1937 to Edgar Welch and Sarah Gillan. He is survived by his children, Rick (Donna) Welch, Randy (Carol) Welch, Robin (William) Louvain; grandchildren, Ryan (Heidi) Louvain, Travis (Rebecca) Louvain, Eric Welch, Amanda (Brian) Bertig and Emily Welch; six great grandchildren; sister-in-law Shirley (Gary) Cox and brother-in-
law Robert Peri; nieces and nephews. Howard was pre-deceased by his wife Fanny M. Welch and granddaughter Stephanie Welch.
Howard grew up in Geneseo and attended Geneseo High School. In the early years, after graduation, he worked as a milk tester, a Tower Man Telegrapher for the Lehigh Valley Railroad, and a part time Deputy for the Livingston County Sheriff’s department before settling in for a nearly 40-year career with the airlines out of Rochester. He first worked at Mohawk Airlines followed in succession with Allegheny, Piedmont, and USAir, retiring in 1999 from US Airways.
On May 31, 1958, Howard married the love of his life, Fanny Sands, who he called his angel. He and Fanny enjoyed many wonderful years together raising their family, traveling extensively throughout the US and overseas and, in later years, wintering in Haines City, FL until Fanny’s passing in 2013.
Howard was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church in East Avon. He was also a member of Phoenix Lodge 115 F.& A.M., a Masonic lodge. Howard loved a good laugh and poking fun at those around him, especially during his years at the airlines. He never steered away from a good political conversation or debate. His love of family and friends was always felt by all who knew and loved him. He will be greatly missed.
Friends and Family may call on Friday, February 2, 2024 from 4–7 PM at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 21 Big Tree Street, Livonia, NY. Funeral Services will be on Saturday, February 3, 2024, 11AM at the First Presbyterian Church, Route 5&20 East Avon. Burial will be private.
Memorial contributions can made in Howard’s memory to the UR Medicine Hospice https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/home-care/hospice-care/donations.aspx or American Diabetes Association http://www.diabetes.org or the First Presbyterian Church, 5605 Avon-Lima Road, Avon, NY 14414.To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
Thinking about all of you while you celebrate Howard’s life this weekend. Will always remember him with that big smile on his face. He will be missed.
Rick, Randy, Robin, and “ALL”…. Sorry to hear of your loss. Never met your Dad, but sounds like he was quite a fella. He seems to have had a good life as well. Your parents raised their children phenomenally well. Always remember he has gone to a much better place now, plus, he’s back with your Mom now. Once again, so sorry.
I’m saddened to hear of his passing. Howard was always so kind to me. Robin, I pray for comfort and peace for your family as you grieve his loss here, while living into the promise of life eternal.
To all the Welch family members I express my sincere condolences to all of you.
Douglas Ehmann
Our thoughts are with Howard’s entire family while celebrating his life this weekend. He always had a smile on his face. He will be missed
My condolence’s and deepest sympathy to the Welch family! You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
My condolences to the family of Howard. He was a valued friend with years of childhood memories of him and his wonderful family . Thoughts and prayers go with you all at this difficult time.
My husband and I are so sorry for your loss.
I worked with you dad for 14yrs at USAir and then USAirways. He was such a wonderful man and was a joy to work with.
Praying that The Lord brings great comfort to all.
So many precious memories spent at my great grandparent’s home as a child with grandma and grandpa Welch, Sarah and Edgar, Howard, Madeline (Doug was married then), the pet deer (Jerry), home made bread and home made butter. The honey in its waxy comb that grandpa Welch encouraged me to chew wasn’t as sweet as all the memories; and I will treasure the memory of my dear cousin Howard…his bear hugs, that smile that lit up his entire face, and the pride he felt and shared for his children and grandchildren. Heaven has received a dear man. He will be missed.
God Bless You Howard
My sincere sympathy to all of Howard`s family Howard and I work at the Rochester Monroe Airport i love running into him in later year`s he will be greatly miss by many.
Sad to read this of Howard’s passing. My sincere condolences to the Welch family.
Sad to hear this news. I grew up around Howard and spent numerous amounts of time playing with other Welch kids at “Grandpa Welch’s house (Edgar’s father). There’s a lot of stories there to be told. The whole family was great and Howard will be missed for sure. Over the last few years we were able to reunite via Facebook and it was good to “talk” and reminisce some. Peace be with you Howard. May we all gather together again.
Deepest condolences to your entire family. May he RIP…
The Family of Howard Welch, Chris and I would like to send our Sincere Condolences to you all. A great man and great Family… May he RIP!
Dear Rick , Randy, Robin , & your families,
I am so very sorry to hear about Howard’s passing. He & your Mom were such good friends with my Mom & Dad (Bob & Pauline) & they were blessed to know each other & have some really great times together. Dad & Howard enjoyed their coffee at Minnehans,too (several times a day) Praying for peace for your hearts during this time of loss.