Tamaqua, Pennsylvania
1938 - 2020
Herbert R. Welsh
Herbert R. "Herbie" Welsh, well known PIAA referee of Tamaqua, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 1, 2020, as a guest of Maple Shade Living Center, Nesquehoning, at the age of 82 .
Born Sunday, May 1, 1938, in Tamaqua, the son of the late Herbert and Catherine (Hoffman) Welsh. He was also predeceased by sisters, Joan Kurcharick and Jac-qualine Jewels.
Herb-
ie is survived by beloved wife of 58 years, Annetta (Lisciana) Welsh; daughter, Michelle Stelmack, and her husband Mark, of New Tripoli; grandchildren, Kyle Stelmack, and his fiancee Morgan Yackey, of Scranton, and Tyler Stelmack of Pittsburgh.
A graduate of Tamaqua High School, Herbie was an accomplished athlete. Herbie, expanded his love of sport to that of an accomplished and sought after football and basketball referee.
He officiated high school sports for over 56 years, (1961-2017) in all of Northeast Pennsylvania affiliated with District 11 and officiated NCAA division II and III college basketball for 27 years.
Herbie served as PIAA male officials representative for 25 years, ,district chairman of the Cross Country and Track and Field championships and on the PIAA Board of Directors for three terms. He and Annetta were fixtures at league, district and state events.
Herbie worked as a Project man-ager/estimator for EOC for 55 years. He was a representative for the Insulators and Contractors Union.
Herbie served honorably as a member of the Army National Guard.
A member of St. John XXIII Catholic Church of Tamaqua, East End Fire Company, Herbie coached the knee-hi football Giants in the 1960's. He was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame's for the Lehigh Valley, Carbon County and Tamaqua High School.
Never one to sit, Herbie played tennis, ran, worked out daily, and looked forward to spending long summer days at the Bungalow pool in Tamaqua. Herbie reveled in following his grandsons athletic careers at Northwestern Lehigh, and was an ardent fan of all Tamaqua sports and it's youth.
Service: A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. John XXIII Catholic Church of Tamaqua. Interment St. Jerome cemetery Tamaqua.
Memorials in his name may be made to: Tamaqua High School Athletic Department, 134 W. Broad St., Tamaqua, PA18252.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 655 E. Broad St., Tamaqua. Online condolences or a fond memory of Herbie may be expressed by visiting www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com.
Annetta,
This is a short note to offer my
condolences on Herbie's passing. Herbie
was a special man with special talents.
He was an outstanding athlete, an outstanding official, and an outstanding people person. He will be missed by many. During this challenging time,remember that you and your family are in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Frank Yusella
Blandon, Pa
May 15, 2020
Herbie, was a great asset to Local 23 and our Apprenticeship. He always thought of his employees and what they accomplished, on each job. Thank You for your time and and sharing your knowledge. You will be missed.
Peter Deimler
May 14, 2020 | Liverpool, PA | Coworker
Annetta & Family, our prayers & condolences are with you and your family. It's been years since I have lived in Tamaqua but whenever I visited from Florida, running into Herbie was always a pleasure. Herbie always made you feel like an old friend and will be greatly missed. I will always be grateful how nice Herbie was to my Mother in Wenzel's Bakery. Not many people can claim as many friends as Herbie had in his life. RIP
Rich Krepak-Orlando, Florida
Rich Krepak
May 11, 2020 | Orlando, FL
My deepest sympathy to Annetta and family.
What fond memories I have of our days in high school so many years ago. Herbie was our class president, a great dancer, and a great guy. He will be missed.
Rosalyn Evans
May 07, 2020 | Lancaster, PA
Remembered By
Rosalyn Evans
May 07, 2020 | Lancaster, PA
Always a pleasure to be in his company
On the court, on the sidelines, in the stands, or wherever. Many memories and stories will be told about "Herbie"for a long time to come. He will be sorely missed but fondly remembered.
With highest regard,
Tom & Faye Foulk & family
Tom Foulk
May 06, 2020 | New Tripoli
Thoughts and prayers to Netta and family. One of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. Herbie did so much for District 11 and sports in the area. He will be sadly missed by many. RIP my friend.
Dennis Rehrig
May 06, 2020 | Walnutport, PA
Fishing Trip with Vince Brothers 1984
I am sadden by the loss of Herbie. I have worked with this incredible man for 45 years. A man who never tired and was full of life. Herbie's "ha baby" was one of his common phases when he walked onto my job. A great friend and a joy to be part of his work life. If all companies had a Chief Estimator and boss like Herbie this world would be a much better place to work in. The stories and memories that Herbie has created through the years with Insulators Local 23 will forever be told and never...
Victor E Vince
May 05, 2020 | Allentown, PA
Remembered By
Victor and Carol Vince
May 05, 2020 | Allentown, PA
