Hugh Patrick Welsh, Sr.

Welsh, Hugh Patrick Sr. of Flint, age 90, died Sunday, May 9, 2022, at his home surrounded by family.

Hugh was born March 22, 1932, in Detroit, Michigan, son of George and Marion (Monroe) Welsh. He graduated high school from Flint St. Matthew in 1950 and was drafted to the U.S. Army. Hugh served in the Korean War and was honorably discharged in August, 1960. Hugh began his career at AC Spark Plug in Flint where he met the love of his life, Mary Ann O’Brien. After a short stint at AC Spark Plug, he began his career with the Flint Journal where he spent 31 years in the composing room before retiring in 1987.

Hugh and Mary Ann married in May of 1956. They went on to have twelve children: Hugh (Linda) Sears, Michigan; Kevin (Kara) Flint, Michigan; Deborah Bennett, Flint, Michigan; Diana (Steve) Tebeau, Cascade, Michigan; Denise Welsh, Allendale, Michigan; Darlene Andres, Allendale, Michigan; Terrance, Grand Rapids, Michigan; Donna (Joel) Szczepaniak, Fenton, Michigan; Shawn (Laura), Grand Blanc, Michigan; Andy (Melissa), Linden, Michigan; Dodi (Craig) Smith, Holt, Michigan; Dawn (Wally) Austin, Grand Blanc, Michigan. Hugh and Mary Ann also have 38 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren.

Hugh was preceded in death by his parents, brothers George and Joseph, sisters Edith and Dorothy, son George Francis, sons-in-law Bernie Andres and Joseph Bennett, grandsons Nathan Welsh, granddaughter Irene Bennett, and great-grandson Milo Szczepaniak.

Hugh was a faith-filled man who loved the Lord and his family. Hugh spent his early childhood in Owosso. He would fondly recount his days at St. Paul’s as a superstar athlete or entertain listeners with tales about his first job delivering the Argus Press to the neighborhood flower beds. When Hugh was a sophomore in high school, the family moved to Flint where he continued his stellar athletic career.

Hugh was an avid lifelong Notre Dame fan who loved all sports especially football. He particularly enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren compete in their many sports.

Hugh enjoyed competition in every form. Whether a friendly game of Yahtzee or competing in 3 on 3 in his wingtip shoes at the graduation parties, the intensity was the same. Another favorite past-time was schooling his kids in the finer techniques of the stance/shot/swing that made him famous.

If you ever met him, there is a good chance he gave you a nickname. He was known for his nicknames and his keen sense of humor. For 25 years, his humor and razor-quick retorts were legendary as anyone who ever walked through the St. Leo’s coffee and doughnut line could attest.

A lifelong Catholic and founding parishioner of St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, Hugh was a 30-year and 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Davison Council #4090. He also donated 30 years of service to the North End Soup Kitchen in Flint.

Visitation will be Friday, May 13, 2022 at 4:00 - 8:00 PM with a Rosary at 6:00 PM at Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Flint, Michigan. The Funeral Mass will be at Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Flint, Michigan, with a visitation hour beginning at 9:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the North End Soup Kitchen.