David J. Welch, 65, passed away on August 7th, 2022, surrounded by loved ones after a courageous battle with renal cancer. He was born on November 19th, 1956, and grew up in Lynn, Massachusetts, the son of the late Phillip R. Welch and Claire E. (Hennessey) Welch. David graduated from Saint Mary’s High School and later attended Boston University. Here he pursued academics as well as his passion for football and led the team as a captain during his senior year.
David has been a long-time resident of Tewksbury, Massachusetts, with his beloved wife of 38 years, Darlene. He was an active member of the North Andover YMCA and channeled his athleticism from the football field to the swimming pool when he joined the U.S. Master’s swim team. Affectionately nicknamed “Big Wave Dave,” his strength and drive were an inspiration to all.
More than anything, he was devoted to his family. He was involved in every one of his children’s activities and loved wearing the hat of “coach” and best horseshow dad. David was also a lover of history and museums, craft beers, traveling, and New England sports, especially the Patriots.
David and Darlene realized their aspirations of owning a business and together became
the owners of the Minuteman Press Marlboro, where they run a successful printing and marketing company and are involved in the Marlborough business community.
He is survived by his wife Darlene (Wanelik) Welch, his loving children, Shana (Welch) Higgins and her husband Robert of Salem, NH, Meagan (Welch) Coyne and her husband Patrick of Shirley, MA, and Kellyn Welch of Salem, MA; his beloved grandchildren, Alyssa, Roean, and Jackson; his siblings Phyllis (Welch) and husband James O’Brien, Paul Welch and wife Kathleen, Sharon (Welch) and husband William Thomas, and partner-in-crime Kevin Crighton and wife Diane; and many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
A visitation will be held at Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee Street, Tewksbury, MA, on Sunday, August 14th, from 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask for donations to the David Welch Memorial Campaign, c/o Merrimack Valley YMCA, Attn: David Welch Memorial, 360 Merrimack Street, Suite 270, Lawrence, MA 01843. https://mvymca.org/get-involved/give/memorial-giving-2/
All proceeds will fund tuition assistance in the Merrimack Valley YMCA youth aquatic program. He truly was the best, and we could not have hoped for a more authentic way to keep his legacy alive.