Robert Nathan Welch Sr.

Robert Nathan Welch Sr.

Robert Nathan Welch Sr.

Robert Nathaniel Welch, 96, a longtime resident of Malden, passed away on Friday, May 27, 2011 at the Life Care Center of Stoneham in Stoneham, Massachusetts.

He was born in November 10th, 1914 in Boston, Massachusetts the son of Isaac James of Christ Church Parish, Barbados, British West Indies, and Martha (Jackson) Welch of Norfolk, VA. After completing his education he met his sweetheart, Sarah Parson, when she had moved from South Carolina to Boston. They were married in Boston in 1938. Robert had been active with the National Guard and in 1942 his unit was called up and Robert was off to help our country's fight in WWII. He saw action in Europe, North Africa and Persia. He served with the artillery and with the famed "Red Ball Express", the company that ran supplies to the soldiers in the front lines. He had attained the rank of Staff Sgt prior to his discharge. He was discharged in 1945, and settled down with his family in Everett. They moved to Malden in 1954 and remained active members of the community there. Robert and Sarah shared over 70 years together until Sarah's passing in 2009. Robert had been a member of the Teamsters originally driving horse drawn wagons, which later became the Teamsters Local 25. After returning from the service, he drove for several companies among them Associated Transport Company which he worked for until its closing, when he then began driving for Trimont Bituminous, now known as Aggregate Industries, until he retired. After his retirement, he took a position as watchman to keep busy.

Robert was a Lifetime member of the VFW Post 639 of Malden, a Lifetime member of the American Legion, a member of the East Side Athletic Club, a member of the Disabled American Veterans Post 85 of Malden, a member of the NRA, and the Mystic Valley Gun Club of Malden. In his spare time, he enjoyed target shooting, fishing, the occasional hunting trip, as will as watching old Westerns and War movies. However, his most precious time was spent with his family.

He is survived by his children, Robert N. Welch of NY, Stanley H. Welch of CT, Ronald A. Welch of CO, Sharon E. Stepherson of Malden, and Kevin E. Welch of Malden, his 20 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sarah E. (Parson) Welch, and his brother, James I. Welch.

Funeral services will be held on Friday June 3rd, at the Weir-MacCuish Golden Rule Funeral Home, 144 Salem St, Malden, at 11AM with visitation for one hour prior. Interment to follow in Puritan Lawn Cemetery, Peabody.

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