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ST. PETERSBURG - Former city Councilman David T. Welch, who helped guide his community through racial tensions and massive development projects, died Monday. He was 85.
Welch served three four-year terms on the City Council - two in the 1980s and another in the 1990s.
He died surrounded by family at hospice at Bayfront Medical Center, said his son, Ken Welch, who serves as the chairman of the Pinellas County Commission.
In 1981, Welch became only the second black man to be elected to the St. Petersburg City Council.
An accountant and educator, Welch was the longtime finance director at St. Petersburg Vocational-Technical Institute and a teacher at Gibbs Junior College.
Ken Welch said his father was a teacher at heart who saw education as a way to improve lives. A child of a wood yard owner, he and his siblings were the first in their family to go to college. Welch graduated from Florida A&M University.
"He really had a heart for the community and for helping young folk, specifically, and making sure every part of the community was represented," Ken Welch said.
The walls of a room in David Welch's house are covered with plaques and certificates honoring his service on various community boards, but Ken Welch said his father was most proud of the impact he had on young people teaching at Gibbs Junior College.
His affable personality and diplomatic skills helped him get things done in the city both as a member of City Council and a community leader, friends and colleagues said.
In 1968, Welch helped negotiate the end of a 116-day strike by city sanitation workers for better pay and working conditions. During the strike, he took on the role of co-chair of the Community Alliance, a biracial group the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce established to help calm racial tensions in the city.
Welch's tenure on the council in the 1980s was a time of major development downtown, including renovation of The Pier and the Bayfront Center, the building of the Florida Suncoast Dome - now Tropicana Field - and the Bay Plaza development.
He ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 1991 but returned to council in 1993 to represent District 6 after soundly beating current City Council Chairman Karl Nurse.
Welch's affable manner gained him support from other community leaders, making him an effective council member, Nurse said.
"David was clear where he was trying to push things, but he had a style that did not breed a lot of push-back," Nurse said. "It was the early days, so he was in the minority in everything he did, but he got stuff done."
During his time in office, Welch sought to bring more jobs and affordable housing to residents in South St. Petersburg, where he lived.
He was also seen as a guide to a younger generation of city leaders.
Rev. Manuel Sykes, head of the St. Petersburg NAACP, said when he was younger Welch often took him to one side to counsel him. Many young people benefitted from Welch's advice, he said.
"He's strong but no abrasive - a strong hand in a mink glove," Sykes said. "His personality and diplomacy is what stands out. "
A wake for Welch is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday at Prayer Tower of God in Christ, 1137 37th St. S. His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the church.
24 Entries
I was both shocked and sadden by Dr Welchs passing. I just found out of his passing. We have truly lost a good man, a kind man. May your family take peace in knowing that there really is a special place in heaven for Mr.Welch. RIP .... THANK YOU FOR THE IMPACT YOU HAD ON MY LIFE.
Terry Dunlap
November 25, 2013
Ken and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Blessings to each of you...
Connie Allison
September 26, 2013
I send my deep and sincere sympathy to you and yours. I will always remember Elder Welch as a most charming gentleman truly a class act.
Bridgett Norris
September 22, 2013
MY DEAR SISTER ALLETHA WELCH WORD,S CAN NOT EXPRESS THE LOST OF YOUR HUSBAND BUT THIS I NO HE,S NOT SUFFERING ANY MORE ON THIS EARTH THANK,S TO YOUR KIND AND WILLING AND UNSELFISHNESS TO LET HIM GO MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND SHOW FAVOR TO YOU ONLY JUST FOR THAT MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY THROUGH THESE TOUGH AND HARD TIME,S YOUR IN MY PRAYER,S WITH LOVE YOUR BROTHER IN CHRIST.
William McRoy
September 21, 2013
Johnny and family. My prayers are with you all. We loved David. Reba
September 20, 2013
Aunt Alletha and Family,
Please know that our prayers and deepest sympathy are with you. We were sorry to learn of the passing of Uncle David, may God give you comfort in the memories and the love that you shared.
Antoinette & Charles Pugh, Williamstown, New Jersey
September 20, 2013
So sorry to hear of his passing, though he well earned the reward he'll now be reaping. He made his office available for various committee meetings, etc., I was part of, so though I never met him, I regret his passing -- he contributed so much to our city.
Eileen O'Sullivan
Eileen O'Sullivan
September 20, 2013
David's sunny personality, which was characterized by an award winning smile, easy going nature, and love of God, Family and Community, will forever be etched in the hearts of lives that he touched.
I pray that God ontinue to bless & sustain your family during this most difficult time.
Bernice Darling
September 20, 2013
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Antonio and Tammie Wilson
September 20, 2013
It is with my greatest heart felt sympathy that I extend God's blessings and care during the lost of your beloved David. The memories and his legacy to this city will be forever. Thank you all for sharing Dr. David Welch with all of us.
Linda Black-Bell
September 20, 2013
To the family of Dr.Welch God will wipe away all tears from your tear stained eyes.
Your Loving cousin.
Deloris Davis Mitchell
Deloris Davis
September 19, 2013
He was my friend he will be miss
JAMES HATCHER
Last NamE
September 19, 2013
September 19, 2013
he was a great person he help us many times in tax season he will be truely miss rip my friend
September 19, 2013
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. My prayers are with you all and God give you all strength during this time. Love you all.
Ann Hadley
Ann Hadley
September 19, 2013
With Deepest sympathy for the Welch Family during this time.My prayer are with the Welch family Mr. Welch was a friend to all and I know that he gave me good advice when I would go to him... Mr. Welch you will be truly missed my all that knew you.
Verdie ingram
September 19, 2013
Our hearts and love go out to the Welch Family. We are never ready to let go. No amount of time is ever enough with our loved ones.
But they are the lucky ones who go before us, for they know what lies on the other side in wait for us too.
God's Blessings to you all. We're here for you.
With Love,
Johnny Johnson, Jr. and family
Johnny Johnson
September 19, 2013
God's presences is with the entire family and our prayers are with you all! The Brinkley Twins...To all the Welch's
September 19, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the Welch Family.
Kimsy Jenkins-Brown
September 19, 2013
To the Welch family, god will see you all thru this most difficult time. Katrina you are in my prayers.
Deborah Harvey & Family
September 19, 2013
Condolences to one of the best families here in Saint Petersburg.
September 19, 2013
Deepest Sympathy for the Welch Family..
Garland Stockton
September 19, 2013
With Deepest sympathy for the Welch Family during this time. May God richly bless and keep you in his hands.
Marsha
September 19, 2013
Prayers to this wonderful family...L. E. Henderson
September 18, 2013
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