Shrewsbury – Thomas E. Welch, 85, of Shrewsbury and formerly of Minoa, NY, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 with his loving family by his side.
Born in Manlius, NY, raised and educated in Minoa, NY, he was one of four children born to the late Oscar W. and Florence L. (Teske) Welch. Thomas graduated from Minoa High School, and moved to Massachusetts. He married his beloved wife, Helen E. (Streimikis), on July 22, 1962 and the pair settled in Shrewsbury to begin their life together.
Thomas was proud of his career as a truck driver, working for Inland Express for 33 years, and Red Star for 5, retiring in 1985. He was a member of the Teamsters Local Union 170 of Worcester for many years.
In his free time, Thomas enjoyed woodworking, and was a skilled cabinet-maker. He also loved vegetable gardening, riding his John Deere, and taking Sunday drives; but most of all, loved his family, caring for all his grandchildren (to whom he was affectionately known as “Papa”), and his canine companion, Chester.
Along with his wife, Helen, Thomas leaves his devoted children: Tracy A. Johnson and her husband Alan, of Auburn, Thomas W. Welch and his wife Brenda, of Shrewsbury, and Timothy G. Welch, of Auburn; his adoring grandchildren, Pamela and Angela Johnson, Amanda, Michael, and Brianna Welch, and Timothy, Thomas, and Robert Welch; his sister, Joan Huller, of Peterboro, NY; as well as many nieces and nephews, and a special close cousin, Linda Tornatore, of NY. He was also predeceased by his sisters, Marge Nielson and Constance Meehan, of New York.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association (www.hearts.org).
Thomas’ family will be celebrating his life privately with a graveside service. The BRITTON-SHREWSBURY FUNERAL HOME is honored to be assisting with arrangements.
