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.

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Published by Times News on May 4, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Herbert Welsh

Sponsored by Holmes - Griffiths Funeral Home, Inc..

15 Entries

May 15, 2020

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

Peter Deimler

May 14, 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.

Rich Krepak

May 11, 2020

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

Rosalyn Evans

May 7, 2020

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.

Tom Foulk

May 6, 2020

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

Dennis Rehrig

May 6, 2020

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.

Fishing Trip with Vince Brothers 1984

Victor E Vince

May 5, 2020

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 be forgotten. God created Herbie and threw away the mold, he was one of a kind. I will miss him dearly.

May 5, 2020

Sending thoughts to the Welsh Family. Herbie was a sports legend in his lifetime.He always had a kind word and always asked about our family. We will miss him at sporting events. Peace to him.
Charlene and Dapper Lynn

May 4, 2020

R.I.P. Herbie ..... see you at the "big court" in the sky where you, Steve Honzo, and Kenny Kresge can blow a few more fouls on me and laugh like you saw something. The years are flying by and I am losing all my old baskerball buddies .... Bob Mlkvy and Jack Mullen included.

Bill Storch
Lebanon, Pa.

Pat & Joe Balascik

May 4, 2020

We are both so sorry to hear of Herbie's passing. Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss.
Herbie was respected by all those who knew him. He was a warm, genuine person and a man of remarkable passion. It was always an enjoyable experience being in his company.
We hope you find comfort in your great memories of Herbie and how he enjoyed his life to the fullest.

Nick/MaryAnn Segilia

May 4, 2020

Annetta & Family, our prayers & condolences are with you and your family. Herbie was a good guy. Take care..Nick & MaryAnn Segilia

Beryl Donohue

May 4, 2020

Annetta,
Herbie was a great guy, who Brum and I always enjoyed being around. My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.

Jack Evans

May 4, 2020

My sincere condolences to the Welsh family on the loss of Herbie. I met Herbie in the late 50's at Herman Fox's pool hall and enjoyed talking with him about sports and I would see him at many of the local high school sporting events. Fast forward a couple of years and I'm living in Allentown and starting to officiate football and for many years I was able to work with him on the field. He brought confidence and humor to the crews and it was always a great pleasure to work with him. In 1987 I had a medcical condition which took me off the field. He knew that I had to stay active so he made my an Official Observer for the PIAA. Everyone in the state knew "Herbie" and that was before the fashionable names of Prince, Drake, etc. Rest in peace my friend.

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