WESTFIELD:– George “John” “Sugar Bear” Michell Welch, 73, (1941 – 2015) beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend passed away unexpectedly on February 19, 2015 at Baystate Medical Center. He was born in Westfield to the late Jay and Frances (Malone) Welch. John was employed as an equipment operator for D. R. Billlings Co., Lanesborough, MA for 6 years. He went on to become Site Supervisor at Cover Technologies, Inc., Cranston, RI for 14 years. John had several hobbies and enjoyed building hot rods and attending car shows. He also was an avid Nascar and Patriots fan. In addition to his parents John was predeceased by his cherished son, John Welch in 1986; and his sister, Nancy Humason. He leaves his soul mate and loving wife of 52 years, Betty J. (Kelley) Welch; his son, Jay Welch of West Springfield; his daughter, Kelley Welch of Westfield; his 4 grandchildren, Heather, Jay and his wife Kelly, John, and Richard and his wife Rebecca; his sister, Priscilla Fuller of Feeding Hills; several nieces and nephews; and his much-loved cats, Beau and Dory. Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Tuesday, February 24th from 3-7PM at Southwick Forastiere Funeral Home, 624 College Highway, Southwick. John’s service will be held on Wednesday, February 25th in Southwick Forastiere Funeral Home at 10AM. Burial will take place in the spring. Donations may be made to Westfield Homeless Cat Project, 1124 E. Mountain Rd., Westfield, MA 01085 or American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005. For more information please visit: www.forastiere.com.
