William (Bill) Marshall Welch passed into eternal rest on August 21, 2007. He was born in New Haven on October 28, 1916, a son of the late William Cyrus Welch and Grace Ells Welch. Bill was the devoted husband of the late Mary Carbone Welch. He is the beloved father of Elisabeth (Betsy and Bill) Kotowski of Branford, and William {Bill (AFA1AN, SMD RI) and Diana} Welch, Jr. of Charlestown, RI. His grandchildren were his pride and joy: Lt. William J. Kotowski, USCG, commanding officer of CGC Washington In Apra Harbor, Guam and Dr. of Chiropractic Jennifer L. Welch of Charlestown, RI. Bill was the assistant chief of security at Winchester-Olin Matheson Corporation in New Haven and an investigator for the CT Department of Income Maintenance, District Child Support Supervisor until his retirement In 1981. Bill served in the Army during WWll in the Pacific theater from 1942-1945 and was awarded the Bronze Star. He was recalled to active duty with the 118th Medical Battalion from 1950 -1951. Bill's accomplishments, besides being a loving, compassionate man with a wonderful sense of humor include: Founder of AMVETS in West Haven and in the State of CT, past Commander on the state and local levels; Eagle Scout, Boy Scout Master of Troops 14 and 16 In West Haven, District Commissioner and District Chairman of the Boy Scouts; Lt. Colonel in Civil Air Patrol; West Haven Director of Civil Preparedness for 30 years; an active participant in and state director of USAF Military Affiliate Radio Systems; past president of the West Haven Historical Society; and caregiver to his wife Mary until her death in 2003. Anyone wishing to make memorial contributions may forward them to the Mary Carbone Welch Science Scholarship Award at West Haven High School or the West Haven Animal Shelter.

[Credits: Thanks to Joe Beck, AFF1CT, for forwarding the obituary.]