William Joseph Welch

Colonel William Joseph Welch (Bill), United States Army, Retired, passed away Saturday, August 3, 2013 in El Paso, Texas at the age of 85.

Born on August 6, 1927 to William and Marie (Monahan) Welch, William grew up in Waterbury, Connecticut. He graduated in 1944 from Crosby High School and enlisted in the United States Navy to serve his country in World War II. After completing his term of commitment, he matriculated at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, majoring in Chemistry, while concurrently serving in the National Guard.

He met his future bride, Angela Firmani, at a Valentine’s Day dance. They married at St. Thomas Church in Waterbury, in 1952, and remained devoted to each other throughout their 60 years together, only separated by Angela’s passing in 2010.

William was commissioned into the U.S. Army in 1952. He amassed many awards, medals and commendations throughout his distinguished 38-year career in military and diplomatic service. He and Angela delighted in their many exotic postings including Japan, Germany, Turkey and Italy. From 1974 to 1977 William served as Deputy DPCA at Ft. Bliss, Texas. He retired in 1981 and moved back to El Paso beginning a second career with State National Bank.

William loved animals, travel, books, scale models and military miniatures. He was an active member of MOAA and TROA. He and Angela were founding members of the Friends of the Westside Library and active participants in the creation and success of the Bookmark. William was a devoted member of the Catholic Church.

William was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Angela, his parents William and Marie Welch, his sister Marie and his brother Donald. His children, Barbara, Kathryn and Michael and his grandchildren, Tyler, Griffin and Jack, survive him.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, August 8th, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 400 West Sunset, El Paso, Texas, 79922.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorial donations be made to the Humane Society of El Paso, 4991 Fred Wilson, El Paso, Texas 79906.