James Lester Welch

James (Jim) Lester Welch, of Walpole, MA, passed away suddenly on October 10, 2025, at the age of 66.

Born on May 10, 1959, Jim was the beloved son of the late Henry and Patricia Welch, and brother to Tom Welch (and his wife Maryjo) and Michael Welch.

Jim shared 38 wonderful years of marriage with his wife and lifelong best friend, Maryan (Barbarisi) Welch. Jim and Maryan’s love story began when they met at Archbishop Williams High School of Braintree as freshman, and they married in 1987 — a true testament to their enduring bond.

He was a devoted father to Alexander Welch and his fiancee Julia Sanfilippo, Jay (Welch) Reilly, and Bethany (Welch) Prostano and her husband Alex. Nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his family, especially his grandson and pride and joy, Callum Prostano, with whom he shared countless laughs, lawn mower rides, and seaside memories. He looked forward to teaching Callum how to fish and skate, passing down his love for the outdoors and simple pleasures.

Jim adored his extended family — his in-laws Bob and Maryan Barbarisi, whom he cherished as parents, and his siblings- and nieces- and nephews-in-law: Bob & Katie Barbarisi of Concord, MA; Steve & Kathleen Barbarisi of Ipswich, MA; Sue King of Boynton Beach, FL; and Diane & Leonard Kierstead of Upton, MA. He was a proud and loving uncle to Ryan, Jaclyn, and Charlotte King, Rory Barbarisi, Elizabeth Barbarisi, Cameron Barbarisi, Brittany & Chris Ryan, Bailey, Myles, and Travis Kierstead, and John, Gina, Elizabeth, Sam, Ben, Sarah, Steven, Katie, Tess, and Timmy Welch.

A graduate of Archbishop Williams High School and Providence College, where he earned a degree in Mathematics, Jim made lifelong friends who remained close companions — sharing laughs, stories, and trips through the years.

In his younger days, Jim loved playing hockey and causing chaos in Holbrook with his brothers, cousins, and neighborhood friends. In later years, he found joy in boating, fishing, golfing, and tinkering with projects around the house. A loyal friend and neighbor, Jim was always ready with a helping hand, sound advice, or the right tool for the job.

He will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, humor, and unmatched selflessness. Whether it was driving hours to help his kids move, offering boat repair tips, or bravely tackling unwanted rodents in their apartments, Jim was always there — quietly dependable and endlessly giving. He found happiness in the simple things: manning the grill on the beach, helping his family tackle any project, and spending time with those he loved most.

Jim’s presence made life brighter for everyone who knew him. He will be deeply and dearly missed.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Jim's Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025, in Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole, at 10:00 AM. Visiting hours are respectfully omitted and interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Jim's name may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 or by visiting https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

Arrangements by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, Walpole.