Richard ‘Dick’ Welch

Softly in the morning, you heard a gentle call, you took the hand God offered you, and quietly left us all . . . Richard "Dick" Welch, 86, of Berkshire, New York, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 31, 2021. Dick was predeceased by his parents; his wives Nancy Pitcher Welch and Betty Wagner Welch; his grandsons Cody and Austin Welch; and his brothers Robert and Fredrick Welch. Dick will be missed by his siblings William, Raymond (Maxine), John, Grace, and Marilyn; his sisters-in-law Marge and Betty; his children Audrey, Marcia, Luella (Tom), Susan (Randie), Zena (Gary), Bret (Jamie) and Jud Walker a special family friend. He was blessed with 24 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews and their families also survive. Dick was born Christmas day in 1934, the son of the late Daniel Franklin Welch and Bessy Pearl Bogart. Graduating from Owego Free Academy in 1951, he began work as a farmer. Dick then became the Assessor for the Town of Chenango, where he later retired. Dick was a friend to many and had a heart to serve, participating in many community events and on several boards. He volunteered for the Berkshire Fire Department as a fireman in addition to secretary and treasurer. He served as the town supervisor of Berkshire for a number of years, and was a faithful member and deacon of Berkshire Congregational Church. In his free time, Dick returned to his roots, enjoying farming. He loved to pick fruit, work on crossword puzzles, and watch western movies. He never passed up a trip to the casino enjoying the car ride as much as the destination. But most of all Dick loved his family and cherished the memories made with them. The light of his life was the time he spent with his granddaughter Harley with whom he shared a special bond. Dicks love for his children and grandchildren expanded beyond family lines, and he was called "Pa" by many. In keeping with the family's wishes, no services will be held. MacPherson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and condolences may be written in Dick's guestbook at macphersonfh.com. .