Senate Resolution No. 1145

BY: Senator HARCKHAM

MOURNING the death of John S. Welch, family man,
retired police officer, distinguished citizen and
devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and this
great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of John S. Welch, noting the
significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, John S. Welch of Mahopac, New York, passed away on April 6,
2023, at the age of 56; and

WHEREAS, John S. Welch was born on January 13, 1967, to Edward and
Anne (Stevens) Welch in the Bronx, New York, where he attended Mount
Saint Michael Academy; after graduating he earned both his bachelor's
degree and law degree from St. John's University; and

WHEREAS, On July 20, 1989, John S. Welch married the love of his
life and best friend Kerry, and together, they raised three wonderful
children; and

WHEREAS, For 26 years, John S. Welch proudly served as a police
officer for the New York Police Department (NYPD); after many years on
patrol, he was assigned to the Legal Bureau, where he worked as an
attorney for the NYPD until his retirement in 2012; thereafter, he
continued working as an attorney, initially in private practice, and
later as staff counsel for Allstate Insurance Company; and

WHEREAS, John S. Welch loved working with his hands and his passion
was building and repairing guitars, violins, and other string
instruments; he was also an active parishioner of Christ the King Church
in Ridgefield, Connecticut, and enjoyed spending time with his beloved
family; and

WHEREAS, John S. Welch is survived by his wife, Kerry; two sons,
Patrick J. (Melissa), and Edward T.; one daughter, Brigid M.; two
brothers, Edward (Regina) and Patrick; and two sisters, Catherine Murphy
and Mary (Frank) Brigante, as well as numerous friends who will long
cherish his memory; and

WHEREAS, John S. Welch's infinite selflessness and benevolence will
shine on through his family's vivid and happy memories; his insight and
strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to the
countless lives he touched; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, John S. Welch leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all who
were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing man; he will be

deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this Legislative
Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of John S. Welch and to express its deepest condolences
to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of John S. Welch.