Obituary of Patrick Robert Welch

It is with great sadness that the family of Patrick Robert Welch announces his peaceful passing from pancreatic cancer, on Saturday, June 2nd at the age of 73. 

A native of San Jose, Patrick was born on April 25th, 1945 at O’Connor Hospital to Robert and Norine Welch. Those who knew Patrick remember that he was always eager to tell others about his parents’ dedication to provide their children a special childhood. Some of those memories included riding dirt bikes, go carts, and attending the San Jose Speedway with his brother.

Patrick was a proud alumni of St. Patrick’s Grammar School and Bellarmine College Preparatory. He then went on to UC Santa Barbara where he majored in Economics and participated in the Army ROTC program. Patrick continued his education earning a Juris Doctor Degree at Hastings College of the Law as well as a Master of Business Administration at Golden Gate University. 

Patrick served as First Lieutenant in the United States Army where he received a Bronze Star Medal for his service in the Vietnam War.  After serving his country, Patrick practiced law in San Jose, followed by a successful career as a real estate broker at Coldwell Banker in Los Gatos. Patrick spent the last years of his career as a professional fiduciary. He was also actively involved in the community serving on the Board of Directors of the Scotts Valley Water District from 1989 through 1998, and as President of the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce in 1989.

In his free time, Patrick loved all forms of physical activity including long distance running, weight training, cycling and hiking.  He completed numerous marathons and loved competing in all forms of sports, games and trivia. He and his family enjoyed vacationing in Lake Tahoe and Maui together where he often took part in competitive games of miniature golf. 

He was an active member of the Gateway Bible Church and often volunteered with their Sunday School, Vacation Bible Camp and Jail Ministry programs. Patrick enjoyed mentoring members of the community and always found time to help the homeless population.

Patrick adored each and every one of his pets and had a keen sense of empathy for every creature he encountered.  He will be missed by his beloved corgis and cats, Brigit, Conor, Emma and Monkey.

Patrick is survived by his wife of 20 years, Deborah Welch.  They will be eternally bonded by their faith and love for each other. He will be forever remembered by his surviving family including his brother Terrence Welch of San Jose, his step-children Angela and Evan Sitka as well as his cousins, in-laws and close friends.

A celebration of Patrick’s life will be held on Saturday, June 16th at 1pm at Gateway Bible Church, 5000 Granite Creek Road, Scotts Valley.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Patrick may be made to: Mercer Veterinary Clinic For Pets of the Homeless; P.O. Box 297, Davis, CA 95617 OR Xaverian Missionaries; 12 Helene Ct. Wayne, NJ 07470.