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Rupert Welch Obituary
Rupert Welch
Rupert Welch, a longtime Washington reporter, writer, editor and lifelong lover of newspapers, died peacefully on January 3, 2024. Elizabeth Donnelly, his wife of 45 years, was by his side. Diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia in 2020, Rupert spent the last six months of his life at Brightview Senior Living in Falls Church. He was born on May 31, 1935 in Buffalo, New York to Rupert Welch and Mary Kierstead Welch. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his niece, Diana Denman Aldrich of Atlanta, Georgia; and nephews, Daniel Stanton of Palm Beach, Florida, and James Lindsay Denman, also of Atlanta, Georgia. His passing leaves a great space in the hearts of countless friends who loved him and will miss him greatly.
After high school at St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute in Buffalo, and college at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, his professional life began as a reporter on the late, lamented Washington Star, and continued for 40 years through several newspaper, magazines and organizations. Gifted with an endless curiosity, Rupert was incredibly well read, an attribute that made him a marvelous companion conversant with almost any subject. More active interests included rowing, kayaking, Tai Chi Chuan, Qin Na and finally, dog walking with his beloved German Shepherds.
A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Chapel in Georgetown, 3513 N Street, NW, on January 24, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. A reception will follow immediately.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rupert Welch
2 Entries
Molly Mathew´s Copelan
October 1, 2025
I knew Rupe back in the early 60´s, met him through Phil Casey, a reporter at the Post. I felt he had a heart of gold and he was such a decent man, good company and kind.
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Amy Byrne (Don´s daughter)
September 12, 2024
Dear Liz, it´s Amy Byrne. Crista and I just learned of Rupe´s passage and we are so sorry for your loss. We will always remember him as a big man with a big laugh (remember we met him when we were probably 5 and 6 or 4 and 5 and sitting on his lap, we each got one leg was one of our greatest childhood joys. I have often wondered about the two of you. If you ever want to reach out I would love to hear from you. My email is: [email protected]
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