John T. Welch

1955 - 2015

U.S. Public Health Service Officer Lt. Cmdr. John T. Welch passed away at the National Institute of Health, Bethesda Maryland, on Thursday, May 21, 2015, at age 59. 
Welch was born Sept.  22, 1955 in St. John's, Newfoundland, to his late mother and father, James K. Welch and Maria Franchesca Tassinari Welch. John received his bachelor of science in clinical laboratory medicine from St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas. John was a proud member of the armed and uniformed services of the United States, serving in places all over the world, including England, Texas, North Carolina, Washington, D.C., and most recently, Fairbanks. 
John comes from a long line of American servicemen. Throughout his career, he achieved incredible things and extended his helping and caring personality to everyone he met. The folks who knew John are lucky to have been in his presence.
He is survived by his wife, DeeDee; his children, Erika Welch Danish, with her husband, Eric; and Robert Welch, stepchildren Holly Grace Lumpkin and Troy Lumpkin, loving sisters and brother, Paula Welch Rupert and her husband, Ed; Beverly Welch Hansberry and her husband, John; and Richard Welch and his wife, Jenn. Flowers and condolences in his memory may be sent to www.nationalparks.org.
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Lt. Cmdr. Welch will be held at Arlington Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, at a future date.  
Lt. Cmdr. Welch's family would like to say a special thank you to their friends at TCC's Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center, North Pole High School and the University of Alaska Statewide HR office for all their love and support.