William L. Welsh

William Leo Welsh, 78 of Honesdale, died on Friday, June 23, 2017 at
Regional Hospital of Scranton, after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife of 54
years, the former Gladys Schwarz. The couple married on June 15, 1963.

Born on July 1, 1938 in Honesdale, he was the son of the late Leo and
Clara Holl Welsh. As a young boy, Bill would ride his bike up Golf Hill to caddy for Art Wall. Bill was a graduate of Honesdale High School, Class
of 1956 and attended finance classes at Penn State University. He was a US Army veteran who was stationed in Augsburg, Germany during peacetime, receiving an award for “Best Tank Driver” in his Calvary.

Bill worked for Firmstone Oil and later became manager at Standard Finance in Honesdale. The company later became Beneficial and he retired as Manager of the Scranton office in 1998.

An antique car enthusiast, Bill enjoyed taking care of his cars & trucks. Many times you would see him washing, waxing and detailing his vehicles. He helped support “Vanwel Racing” with his son Kraig and later his grandson Kody with their race cars. He also enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing, as well as being a big supporter of the Alert Hook & Ladder #2’s Annual Chicken & Rib BBQ. “Long Live the Rib King”! He rarely missed Monday night wrestling & was a fan of Elvis Presley. Interior painting was also one of his fine hobbies, assisting in painting all of his children’s homes. In his early year he enjoyed snowmobiling with his family and friends.

His family was his pride and joy. He was so very proud of his grandchildren and their accomplishments, but he always would suggest playing the “Quiet Game”, when they would get a little rowdy! (especially around the holidays) His dry wit will be missed by all.

He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Honesdale.

Also surviving is his daughter Kim Stiteler and husband Tim of
Honesdale; his sons Kipp Welsh and wife Carol and Kraig Welsh and wife
Tracy all of Honesdale; his sister Ruth Ann Chisholm and husband Henry
of Bear, DE; his brother-in-law John Schwarz and wife Joan of
Honesdale; sister-in-law Mary Schwarz of Honesdale; grandchildren
Allison, Bradley, Kody, Heather and Leigha Welsh and Kari Stiteler;
many nieces and nephews. Last but not least, his loving dog, Poncho and grand dogs, Punkin, Mollie and Mabel who he nicknamed “Low-Rider”, all who he cared for one time or another!

Dad we will always be “WELSH STRONG!!”

He was preceded in death by his grandson Jared Welsh and son-in-law
Mark Haussler.

The family would like to thank Dr. Lear VonKoch, Dr. Thomas Roe and other attending doctors and nurses of Regional Hospital of Scranton ICU as well as the caring staff at Good Shepherd Rehab Center at Wayne Memorial as well. Also, “Thank You” to all family and friends who visited him and offered prayers during his brief illness.

A celebration of his life with family and friends will be held during a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, June 30th at St. Mary Magdalen Church, Honesdale at 10am. Interment with military
honors will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Honesdale.
Friends may visit Hessling Funeral Home, Inc., 428 Main St. Honesdale on Thursday, from
2-4 and 7-9.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. John the Evangelist Parish
Choir, c/o St. John’s, 414 Church St. Honesdale, PA 18431 or Alert
Hook and Ladder #2, 222 Willow Ave., Honesdale, PA18431. It is also
requested, a simple act of kindness would be appreciated in memory of
Bill.