Robert (Bob) William Welch, Jr. Peacefully passed away at home on February 7, 2023, surrounded by his loving children. Bob was the oldest of eight children born in Cumberland, Maryland on December 2, 1933, to Robert William, Sr. And Anna Farrell Welch. Bob, a man of faith and devout catholic was married to his beloved wife and high school sweetheart, Rita McColligan Welch for 58 wonderful years until her passing in 2014.

Bob will be sadly missed by his children, Margaret (Peggy) and her husband Terry, Robert, III (Bob) and his wife Sharon, Joseph (Joe) and his wife Rebecca, and Patricia (Patty/Trish); grandchildren, Terry, Jessica, Colin, Katie, Robert IV, Laura, Christina, Elizabeth, Marlo, Farrell, Alexandria, Rita, Virginia, Josephine, Vivian, Bridget, and Julia; 18 great grandchildren; brothers, Charles (Rose), John (Thom), Thomas (Tonia), Richard (Jeanne); sister, Martha (David); and many wonderful nieces and nephews. Bob was predeceased by his sister, Anne; and brother, James.

Bob graduated from the University of Pittsburgh of Engineering in 1958 and spent 40 years working for Columbia Gas. He started his career as a professional Engineer and worked on many projects including the design of the Alaskan Pipeline. For the remainder of Bob's career, he served as Vice President of the Environmental Affairs for Columbia Gas. At his retirement dinner the quote of the night was "When Bob Welch said something everyone stopped and listened."

Bob enjoyed traveling and was fortunate to have had the opportunity to travel all over the world, although he loved Ireland the best. He also enjoyed sailing, woodworking, fishing, and architecture. But the best times were spent with family on holidays, at the beach, and family gatherings.

A visitation for Bob will take place on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 21 Gender Rd, Newark, DE 19713, where friends and family may call from 9:30 to 10:30 AM, with a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow at All Saints Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Bob's name to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF.org).