DR. RICHARD LEO WELSH

WELSH
DR. RICHARD LEO
1944-2014. A visionary leader in his profession and a source of strength, warmth, guidance in his family, North Hills resident Dr. Richard L. Welsh's remarkable 12 year battle with stage 4 kidney cancer came to an end on September 13, when, in the embrace of his loving family, he peacefully passed away at Family Hospice in Lawrenceville. He is survived by his wife of 12 years, Mary Nelle McLennan, who was partner and devoted advocate throughout his illness. He is also survived by his loving children, Patrick (Natasha), Kathleen Welsh Beveridge (Mike), and Shanna Welsh Levin (Doug); and his first wife and the mother of his children, Dolores (Deltondo) Welsh. He was a proud "Pappy" to his five grandchildren, Henry, Aidan, and Harlan Welsh and Colin and Keenan Beveridge. Rick was born on March 31, 1944, to the late Leo and Ann Welsh. He grew up on Pittsburgh's North Side, the second of five children and treasured brother to Eileen Quolke (late Charles), Maureen Marincic (Vic), and late Joan and Mark. Rick was beloved son-in-law to Vivian McLennan of Tennessee and much loved "Uncle Rick" to his nephews and nieces, Steve and Scott Quolke, Anne (Quolke) Beatty, Laura (Marincic) Mcgee, David Marincic, and Jill (Marincic) Hobbs, and eleven great-nephews and nieces. Rick completed seminary studies with a B.A. in Philosophy from St. Vincent College in 1966. He received an M.A. in Orientation and Mobility from Western Michigan University in 1968, and a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Pittsburgh in 1973. His work in the field of education and rehabilitation of blind and visually impaired people made the most of his talents for listening, counseling, mentoring, humor, and leadership as he twice envisioned and guided the consolidation of organizations for improved professional services. He served 12 years as Superintendent of the Maryland School for the Blind, eight years as President of the Greater Pittsburgh Guild for the Blind, and seven years President of Pittsburgh Vision Services. Rick conceived and co-edited the first textbook for the Orientation and Mobility profession and two subsequent editions. His influential work helped to professionalize the field and was recognized often as he received the pinnacle awards of his profession for outstanding leadership, publication, commitment, and service, including the University of Pittsburgh School of Education Distinguished Alumni Award and induction into the Hall of Fame for Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field. Family and friends will be welcomed on Wednesday and Thursday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the LAWRENCE T. MILLER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 460 Lincoln Ave., Bellevue. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday at the Church of the Assumption in Bellevue. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be directed to the American Association for Cancer Research or the Hall of Fame of Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field.
www.ltmillerfuneralhome.com
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