Richard Joseph Welsh

Richard J. Welsh passed away November 12th at the age of 85. He attended elementary school at St. Dominic’s in Detroit, MI. He attended high school at Visitation in Detroit, MI. Richard received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Detroit, and his Master’s from Wayne State University. He served in the Army where he was stationed in France, married in France and then returned from the service settling briefly with his wife in Detroit. They went on to purchase their first home in Madison Heights and start a family. Richard then continued on with school, earning a Specialist Degree from Wayne State University. He is the husband of devoted wife Marjorie. Richard was the father of Susan Rank, David (Laurie) Welsh, Theresa (Charles) Myer, Timothy Welsh, Kevin (Lisa) Welsh, Maureen (Tom) Lantagna, Pauline (Rocco) Tenaglia, and the grandfather of 21 and great-grandfather of 22. For 30 years, Richard influenced and guided hundreds of students at Kimball High School to aspire to reach for success, in endeavors small and large, as an avenue to achieve rich adult lives rooted in confidence and self-esteem. This source of great pride is reinforced across the past 60 years, as these same students remain in touch with annual visits, phone calls, letters, and greeting cards to express their appreciation for the inspiration to lead positive, productive and purposeful lives. He was an active member of St. Mary’s parish in Royal Oak for 20 years, providing religious education for parish youth. He was an active member of St. Catherine’s parish in Algonac for 20 years, serving as head of the hall rental committee. Richard was a member of Knights of Columbus in Royal Oak, Algonac, and Rochester. Richard’s hobbies included weight training for high school students across Oakland County (and later in Algonac). Outside of Kimball High School, he made an extra effort to get to know the youth in the communities where he lived. Attending hundreds of sporting events, Richard always made a point to congratulate both winners and losers with hugs and special words of kindness to acknowledge individual efforts put forth. Visitation will be Sunday, November 15th from 1:30-8:00 p.m. at Pixley Funeral Home, 322 W University Dr. Rochester, MI. 48307. The funeral service will be Monday, November 16th at 12:00 p.m., In-state at 11:30 a.m. at St. Andrew Church, 1400 Inglewood Ave. Rochester, MI. 48307. Following the funeral service, graveside committal prayers will be held at Guardian Angel Cemetery, 4701 N. Rochester Rd. Rochester, MI. 48306 Memorial contributions can be made to Solanus Casey Center, 1780 Mount Elliot Street, Detroit, MI. 48207.