Jack Welch

John J. "Jack" Welch died peacefully of old age on Monday, December 15, 2014 at his home in Camillus,at the age of 92, as was his wish.  He was born April 8, 1922, in East Syracuse, NY, to Edward Welch and Mary Ellen Wren.   In his youth, Jack was an altar boy at St. Matthew's Church, a bugler in the East Syracuse Drum and Bugle Band, and played taps at military funerals.  He excelled in sports and academics and received a full scholarship to St. Bonaventure, but instead volunteered for service in US Naval Aviation.  He was an ordnance man and an in-flight machine gunner on a PBY-4 Catalina flying boat, stationed in Bermuda.  While on leave from the US Navy in November 1944, he married Marion Hill, his high school sweetheart, who was employed as a civilian worker for the US Army in Syracuse.  After his service in the Navy, he worked on the NYC Railroad.   Jack and Marion welcomed five children into their lives and were happily married for  59 years.  He will always be remembered as a kind, loving, and gentle father.   Jack was predeceased by his wife, Marion, and daughter, Marianne "Mimi" Ferrini; and by his siblings, Mary Foley, Bill, Maurice, and James Welch, and Kathleen Goldthwait Lewis.   He is survived by his children, Nancy Welch, Patricia Welch (Stephen Boss), Kathleen Cramer, and John S. Welch; son-in-law, Owen Ferrini; grandchildren, Ben Ferrini, Cara Ferrini Gray (Troy), Jack Hilliard (Karen), Julian Hilliard (Tara),  Richard Cramer (Bethani) and Moira, Patrick, and Claire Welch; two great grandchildren; brother-in-law, J. Edward Hill, his wife Jenny, and daughter Katie Frazee; and many nieces and nephews.   Jack was a friendly, kind, and good-natured fellow; a true gentleman held in high regard by all. He was a loving and loyal son, husband, and father to his family. "Generous, handsome and brave... a man you don`t meet every day."   Calling hours will be Sunday, December 21 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus.   A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, December 22 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Joseph's Church, Camillus.  All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jack`s life.   The family would like to thank Debbie Wright and family; Dr. Joe Barry and Jenni Castro, NP; and Peter Pigula for their dedication and love.   In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Labre Indian Catholic High School, 1000 Tongue River Rd., Ashland, MT  59003.
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