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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Charles Edward Welch

Charles Edward Welch age 96 passed away on November 27, 2021, at his home.

Chuck, as he was known to all, was born June 2, 1925 in Columbus, Ohio to Edward P. and Helen C. Welch and was raised in a happy household with his four siblings: Robert Welch, Kathleen Brosmer, Sister M. Veronica, and Mary Ranz, all who have predeceased him.

He was educated at Aquinas High School and upon graduation was drafted into the Army. He was first assigned to the Tank Corps after which he transferred to the Infantry and attended Officer Candidate School. Immediately after graduation, he was sent to the European Theater Operation and the 83rd Infantry Division as a rifle platoon leader. On March 2, 1945 at the age of 19 and as 2nd Lieutenant, he led the first American troops to reach the Rhine River. He was captured three times by the Germans and escaped twice. He was finally liberated in Moosberg, Germany by troops led by General George Patton.

Following his service in WWII, Chuck became a member of the Ohio National Guard and entered The Ohio State University from where he graduated with a Business Administration and Juris Law degrees. His Guard unit was called for service in the Korean Conflict. Chuck served two more years as JAG Officer remaining stateside. After his service, he worked with the Ohio Tax Commission and ultimately was Chief Counsel. In 1958 he left Ohio and came to Wilmington to work for the DuPont Company in the Legal Department. He retired in 1984 as Senior Vice President of External Affairs and General Counsel. He was a member of the Ohio and Delaware Bars.

During his career he was involved in many public affairs activities. He was a Director of the Wilmington Medical Center and a member of the Judicial Nominating Commission. He chaired the first Delaware Compensation Commission, was a member of New Castle County’s first Merit Commission, was a member of the Transition team for Governors Castle and Carper, chaired the Farmers Bank Commission, and was President of the State Board of Education. He was awarded many times for his contributions, including the Marvel Cup of the State Chamber of Commerce and the Gilliam Award from the American Heart Association for a Lifelong Commitment to Community Philanthropy. He was humbled and grateful with every award he received.

Dearest to his heart was The Mary Campbell Center who with the help of Joseph Picciotti, Richard DiSabatino, Marcia Raniere, and David Holmes was founded in 1976. Inspired by his daughter, Charmie, this home for adults with multiple disabilities, provides a home like setting where the residents can live as independently as possible.

A true Irishman and Buckeye fan forever Chuck was an instrument rated pilot for over 30 years and thoroughly enjoyed flying many places but particularly to his home on Lake Wallenpaupack in the Pocono Mountains which was the site of so many gatherings of family and friends.

He was predeceased by his wife, Charma to whom he was married for 52 years, his daughter Charmie, and his son Jeffrey. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, whom he married in 2006, his sons Edward and wife Noreen, and John both of Wilmington, DE; his daughters Patricia Dunn and husband Gary of Glen Mills, PA and Mary Beth Welch of Philadelphia, PA. Also surviving is a stepson, Robert Gravely and wife Polly of Portland, OR and stepdaughter, Meg Keen and husband Bryan of Newark, DE. He leaves 9 grandchildren, 5 step grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren, a brother-in-law Norbert Ranz of Cincinnati, OH and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 10-11 am on Thursday, December 2, 2021 at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Burial will be in All Saints Cemetery.

Contributions in Chuck’s memory may be made to The Mary Campbell Center, 4641 Weldin Road, Wilmington, DE 19803. 

Funeral Services

Visitation will be held from 10-11 am on Thursday, December 2, 2021 at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Burial will be in All Saints Cemetery.

Condolences

    Giuseppe Saggese lit a candle and writes,
    Our Deepest Condolences to Barbara and Meg. The presence of Chuck at any Thanksgiving and the discussion with him was always beneficial and inspiring. We missed terribly the last one. Giuseppe and Riccarda
    11/29/2021 03:35 pm
    Marika Malfitano writes,
    So sorry for your loss. Chuck was a wonderful man and will be missed by many. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Marika & Scott
    11/29/2021 04:50 pm
    David B. McBride writes,
    It is with deep sadness that I post this note of condolences to Chuck’s wife, family and friends. Chuck was a true friend and I will forever be grateful for his guidance, inspiration and friendship over the years. “He who has gone, so we but cherish his memory, abides with us, more potent, nay, more present than the living man.” — Antoine de Saint-Exupery
    11/30/2021 09:01 am
    Ashby Turner Richards writes,
    Chuck Welch was an extraordinary leader who always respected and supported the men and women he directed and inspired. Nancy and Ashby Richards
    11/30/2021 11:51 am
    Mary Susco writes,
    So sorry for your loss. What an accomplished well live life. I would enjoy talking with Charles every year at the Mary Campbell Center wine tasting event hosted by the ADK sisters. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.
    11/30/2021 05:46 pm
    Richard M Farmer Jr writes,
    We mourn the loss of Chuck Welch. He was a great leader and served the State of Delaware with distinction as President of the State Board of Education. My father was honored to serve with him on the State Board for many years and held him inthe highest esteem. My Dad often spoke of his wisdom and leadership during their time together. We offer our sincerest condolences to the family.
    12/01/2021 06:50 am
    David McBride writes,
    A long and beautiful life. From one Buckeye to another.
    12/01/2021 07:23 am
    J Michael & Bonnie Maier writes,
    So sorry for your loss. We have a lot of fond memories of your Dad and family while growing up. Best wishes. Bonnie & Mike Maier
    12/01/2021 08:17 am
    Marilyn G Forney writes,
    Miss Chuck, an accomplished raconteur and along with all his many other many outstanding accomplishments admire the his success for the Mary Campbell Center. A life well lived!
    12/01/2021 06:08 pm
    Bob Field and Clair Hanavan Field writes,
    A couple of memories: I remember a skateboard game that involved the Welch’s dog Rip. Rip was towing jeff on a skateboard. I was leading Rip on my bike. Ended in a crash that resulted in losing my two front teeth. circa 1967. Bob Field I was in hospital after being hit by a car. Charmie was in a room down the hall. Mr. Welch stopped in several times to visit me. I always appreciated those visits. This was 1969. Clairmarie Hanavan Field
    12/01/2021 09:56 pm
    Kimberly McGrath lit a candle and writes,
    On behalf of the Rockledge Association Board and neighbors at beautiful Lake Wallenpaupack in Lakeville, Pennsylvania we send our caring thoughts and supportive prayers to Chucks family. Chuck was a pleasant part of his beloved lake community and had volunteered his expertise to the every day managing of the Association for many years and will be remembered for that service. I learned much from Chuck who was always willing to talk with and teach, I seen him as a peacemaker. Well done faithful servant.
    12/01/2021 10:36 pm
    Ann Houseman writes,
    I have known Chuck since he was President of the Mt. Pleasant School Board. He was a good friend, looking after the teachers, parents and children, and founded the wonderful Mary Campbell Center. He will be missed! May he rest in peace.
    12/02/2021 09:42 am
    Janice Buckwalter & family lit a candle and writes,
    To the family of Chuck Welch: My son resides at the Mary Campbell Center. My family and friends are so grateful that this opportunity existed for my son. The love and care provided by the staff at the Mary Campbell Center is Mr. Welch's legacy the will live on for many years to come. Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Chuck Welch.
    12/02/2021 03:23 pm
    Scott Birney lit a candle and writes,
    My mother served on The Mt. Pleasant school board with Mr. Welch and loved his wit and wisdom, and I have many wonderful memories of time spent at the Welch's loving home. Condolences and love to Ed, Pat, John and Mary Beth. Scott Birney
    12/04/2021 01:21 pm
    Joe McCole writes,
    I only met Mr. Welch a few times. At his son's Jeff's funeral he shook my hand like a vice grip and I asked him if he was still golfing. The grin told me the answer was positive. I knew his son, Jeff fairly well and remember Jeff as someone who would always help someone who needed it. I worked at Pappy's Beef and Beer on Concord Pike and he was always willing to pick me up and give me a ride home. I knew his father was someone special and the kind of son Jeff became, reflected well due to his father.
    12/05/2021 11:39 am
    Steve Kelley writes,
    My father, Bill Kelley, who also was a founder of the Mary Campbell Center and it’s first executive director, introduced me to Mr. Welch. Dad admired him greatly and I can understand why. He was always supportive of me and I always enjoyed his company on the many times we were together. Mr. Welch will be greatly missed and my condolences go out to the family.
    12/07/2021 07:38 pm
    Cailah Garfinkel Ogden lit a candle and writes,
    There are so many words to express the impact Mr. Welch had on me, when I was a high school volunteer and began working at MCC at the age of 16. I was blessed to know him for oh so many years, know the family and spend many years caring for Charmie. He was a wonderful man. Sending heartfelt condolences to all the family. May Chuck's memory be a sweet blessing to those lives he touched and may he rest peacefully.
    12/14/2021 07:01 pm

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