Obituary of Martin J Welch, Sr.

Olean, NY Martin J. Welch, Sr. of 130 N. 12th St. died Tuesday (December 20, 2016) at the Olean General Hospital. Born November 2, 1928 in Olean he was the son of John P. and Margaret Kreitzer Welch. On October 10, 1959 at St. Mary of the Angels Church in Olean he married Mary F. McGarvey who predeceased him May 16, 2007. Mr. Welch was raised in Eldred, PA and later graduated from St. Bonaventure University in 1950 with a bachelor degree in chemistry. After serving his country as an officer in the Army from 1950-52, he headed for Alaska where he taught for six years. During this time, he earned a master’s degree in education from Washington University. In 1959 he returned to Olean to teach mathematics at Olean High School and he was appointed assistant superintendent in 1973. In 1975 he became the superintendent of Olean City School District and retired from that position in 1987. He was a member of St. Mary of the Angels Church, the Olean Elks Lodge, the Knights of Columbus and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He was also a member of the Olean American Legion and was a member and past president of the Olean Lions Club. He enjoyed golfing and he was a member of the Smethport Country Club in years past. Surviving are two sons Martin (Janet) Welch, Jr. of Lancaster, CA and Sean Welch of Eldred, PA; 1 sister Mary (Joseph) Valentinelli of Dryden; 1 brother Ronald (Eileen) Welch of Eldred, PA; 1 sister-in-law Bernice Welch of Eldred, PA and nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife he was predeceased by 1 brother Dr. Jack Welch. Friends will be received on Friday from 4-7pm at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Rd. Olean. A prayer service will be held Saturday (December 31, 2016) at 9:30am in the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in St. Mary of the Angels Church. Rev. Gregory Dobson, pastor, will be the celebrant. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Olean Lions Club, PO Box 2, Olean, NY 14760. Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.