Joseph C. Welch

Joseph C. Welch of Seekonk, MA died on June 29th, 2021 at the age of 76. He was the son of Clayton J. & Marie R. Welch (Murphy) of Pawtucket. He was married to his wife Marcia Welch (Hickey) for 48 years.

Joe served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. He was a graduate of St. Francis College and held two graduate degrees from Rhode Island College. He was a member of the Board of Directors for the Propeller Club of Narragansett Bay and a former member of the Northeast Midget Association.

Joe had two professional careers. As an educator he taught at Peter Thacher Middle School in Attleboro, MA, and later as teacher and administrator at Kickemuit Middle School in Warren, RI. He was also a USCG Licensed Merchant Marine Officer. He captained the BAY QUEEN vessels for Blount Marine Corporation and the M/V NELSECO for the Block Island Ferry’s Providence-Newport-Block Island service.

Besides his wife, Marcia, he leaves behind his brother, Kenneth Welch of East Wallingford, VT and four children: James Welch and his wife Elizabeth of Riverside, RI; Neil Welch of Atlanta, GA; Patricia McGee and her husband Frank of North Kingstown, RI; and Robert Welch and his wife Kaylin of Henrico, VA. Joe has ten grandchildren: Caroline and Clayton Welch of Riverside, RI; Jack, Andrew, and Olivia Welch of Atlanta, GA; Frank and Thomas McGee of North Kingstown, RI; and Cole, Leighton, and Hartlee Welch of Henrico, VA.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, July 14th from 5-7pm at Perry-McStay Funeral Home in East Providence, RI. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joe’s name to the Polycystic Kidney Foundation at https://pkdcure.org/.