Francis Welch

North Greenbush- Francis T. Welch age 82 passed away peacefully Friday, February 2, 2018 at home. Frank was born in Albany and was a life time resident of Rensselaer. He was a graduate of CBA and St. Michael's College and an Officer in the Army Reserves. Frank was an insurance broker who took over the family insurance business, Hickey and Connolly, that later merged with Bame Agency. Frank was an active community member and served as a former chairman of the Rensselaer City Planning Commission. He was very involved in his church and coached various youth sports in Rensselaer. His love of nature has been instilled in his family. He never seemed phased by cultural norms, but rather driven by what he thought was right. Son of the late Frank L. and Marcia Connolly Welch. Beloved husband of 59 years to Barbara Enderlin Welch. Father of Katherine Lui (John), Judith Almy (Mark), Christopher Welch (Sherry Amarel) and Andrew Welch (Elizabeth Grosset). Brother of Ellen Obryan of Greenville, SC. Also survived by his cousin of June Elizabeth Connolly of Pittsburgh, PA, his niece Margaret Trask, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. A memorial mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 10:00 AM at St. John the Evangelist and St. Joseph Church, Herrick Street, Rensselaer. Family will receive friends on Friday, February 9, 2018 from 4-7 at the CHURCH. Because of the love and support received from the local Parkinson's community, in lieu of flowers, donations in Frank's memory may be made to Hope Soars, a Parkinson's research fund at Albany Medical Center. Please visit www.hopesoars.org or mail Hope Soars, 1410 Maple Hill Road, Castleton, NY 12033.