William E. Welcome, Sr.

William E. Welcome Sr. “Bill” 93, passed away on Tuesday August 10, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. Bill was married to his high school sweetheart Barbara for 72 years, until her passing June 10, 2020. Since “Barb’s” passing, Bill had been cared for by his children in the home that he and Barb built in 1949. From his recliner on the porch, Bill loved to speak of and share many interesting and often comical memories of friends and events of old Winsted.
Bill was the son of James A. Welcome and Helen (Colligan) Welcome of Winsted. Along with his sister Shirley (Welcome) Dean they resided at 40 Cherry Street, where Bill’s “garage” served as the home of “James A. Welcome and Son Plumbing and Heating Company”. Along with his father, Bill worked in this profession until his retirement in 1990. Throughout his lifetime he cultivated many hobbies including photography, raising and breeding songbirds, and botany projects that flourished in his garden. Bill was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, once serving as Grand Knight. He was also a congregant of St Joseph’s Church in Winsted.
Bill and Barb built a connected and devoted family during their 72 year marriage. Their surviving children miss them deeply. Virginia Coppinger their first born, James and Maryanne, William Jr. and Jean, Robert and Karen, John and Zhan, Shirley McKenna and Pete, and Thomas and Robin Morris. Bill and Barb were predeceased by two sons, Brian and Gary and a granddaughter, Cheryl. They leave behind 17 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren. Bill is also survived by his sister Shirley Dean, niece Nancy Bunce and nephews Brian and David Dean.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Litchfield County, with special thanks to Kendra Fradette for her care during numerous visits.
At the request of the family, calling hours are omitted. Those who wish to make donations in Bill’s memory, may do so by contributing to The Gilbert School, Brian Welcome Scholarship Fund.

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