Scott E. Welch 1954-2023

He was born Jan. 7, 1954, in Youngstown, a son of the late Juanita and John Welch. Raised in Girard, he graduated from high school in 1972 and Miami University in 1976.

Scott was a lifelong resident of northeast Ohio, retiring to North Carolina in 2017, and was a 30-year member of Old North Church in Canfield, where he volunteered in the AWANA program and as a parking lot attendant.

Scott worked for TruTread Tires in Youngstown from 1978 to 1987 before beginning his career for Allstate Insurance, retiring as a senior claims adjuster in 2017.

He discovered scuba diving later in life and threw himself into it with his typical thoroughness, eventually becoming an accredited dive instructor. Teaching newbies was his specialty. He enjoyed trips to Bonaire and the Florida Keys, primarily through B & B Dive Shop of Hillsville, Pa., as well as diving local quarries.

A shotgun enthusiast, Scott also participated in all the clay sports, including trap, skeet and five-stand, but his real love was shooting sporting clays, both in Ohio and in the Charlotte area. He was a member of the Charlotte Rifle and Pistol Club, volunteering in several capacities, including resource officer and shotgun director. One of his most satisfying experiences was shooting a perfect score of 25 for the Class D Championship in the 2018 CRPC Spring Trap League. He especially enjoyed the weekly Wednesday “Old Man Lunch,” as he called it, with his shooting buddies. Introduced to quail and pheasant hunting by a friend, he looked forward to those times, enjoying the outdoors and mastering a new skill.

Scott also was the founding tour director for Welch Custom Tours, planning memorable family vacations to Dollywood and Harry Potter World, a special family favorite, among other destinations. These custom-designed tours involved family meetings, tests and artwork submissions months in advance, increasing the fun and anticipation for all ages.

Scott leaves his wife, Darlene, whom he married April 8, 1978; daughter, Jessica, and son-in-law, Kevin Murphy of Stallings, N.C.; son, Eric, and daughter-in-law, Meghan of Monroe, N.C.; and three beloved grandchildren, Noah, Liam and Jane Welch, who were the lights of his world. He also leaves a nephew, Daniel (Sarah) Welch; a niece, Heather (Scott) Schulte; as well as sisters-in-law, Ronda Acitelli and Janice Welch, all of northeast Ohio.

Besides his parents, Scott was preceded in death by his brother, Rick, and nephew, Christopher Welch.

A private family service took place June 13, 2023, at Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory, where the family celebrated Scott’s life, and especially his passing into the arms of Jesus. Amen!

“Forever in our hearts until we are reunited.”

Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory is honored to serve the Welch Family. Friends and family may view this obituary and give their condolences at www.gordonfuneralservice.com.

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