Obituary of James Welch

James J. Welch, 88 of Southwick Court, Cheshire, beloved husband and father passed away following a lengthy illness on Wednesday April 15, 2009, surrounded by his family at Elim Park Health Care Center. He was the husband of Shirley A. (Hinman) Welch. Mr. Welch was born July 18, 1920 in New York City the son of the late William T. and Emily (Gould) Welch. He was the President of Welch Brothers Building Corporation of New Haven, which he founded with his (predeceased) brothers William T. and Edward P. Welch. He was a former President of the Home Builders Association of Greater New Haven and past President of the Council of State Home Builders. As a long time resident of Cheshire, Mr. Welch was a member of the Cheshire High School Building Committee, the Planning and Zoning Commission and the former Vice President of the Cheshire Business and Property Owners Association. He was also a member of the Cheshire Knights of Columbus as well as an active communicant of St. Bridget's Church. Mr. Welch is survived by his wife of 65 years; his daughters, Cheryl A. Welch of New York City; Patricia A. Welch-Ward and her husband Christopher of Jupiter, Florida; Beverly S. Welch of Cheshire; his son James J. Welch and his wife Diane Arute-Welch of Farmington; two grandchildren Michael J. Welch of Arlington, VA and Christopher W. Welch of Cambridge, MA; nephews Edward and Neal Welch; nieces Shelia Welch McInnis, Susan Welch Antillon and their families. The family wishes to express gratitude to the staff of Elim Park Health Care Center for the care and touching concern provided to "Jim" and his family during these past several weeks. Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 20, 2009 at 9:15 am from the Slater Funeral Home, 242 South Main Street, Cheshire to St. Bridget's Church for Mass at 10:00am. Burial will follow in St. Bridget Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 4 to 8 pm at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Bridget's Church School Building Fund, 175 Main Street, Cheshire, Connecticut 06410.