Reverend William P. Welsh, age 85. Ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Chicago, December 18, 1960, Fr. Welsh served in many parishes, including St. Francis Xavier, Wilmette; St. Sabina, Chicago; St. Benedict, Irving Park Rd., Chicago; St. Emily, Mt. Prospect; St. Theresa, Palatine; Infant Jesus of Prague, Flossmoor; and St. Lambert, Skokie, until hisContinue Reading
Kim O'Brien
left a message on June 4, 2021:
In memory of Reverend William P. Welsh, Kim O'Brien lit a candle
Susan A Rutz (Cunningham)
left a message on June 2, 2021:
Father Welsh was like one of the family. His first parish was ours, St. Francis Xavier, in Wilmette. Many school days he would join us kids at the kitchen table for lunch, and my mother treated him just like one of us. We spent many Saturdays, in the fall, at Loyola Academy for football games, riding in Father's Jeep.He baptized my first grandson; gave the memorial eulogy at St. Francis for my father, Patrick Cunningham; and we all went to see him at his 40th Anniversary...with all the grandkids (that were there so far). He will be greatly missed, and was sincerely loved. And to his usual farewell "God Love You"
Laura
left a message on April 13, 2020:
My family loved you and speaki of you today though we haven’t seen you for 40 years
Norbert Piotrowski
left a message on February 28, 2020:
Father Welch married us in 1976 at St. Emily Church, Mt. Prospect, IL. My wife Bonnie took Catholic lessons and was confirmed by Father Welch before we were married. He baptized both of our now grown children, and attended both of their weddings. We now have four grandchildren, ages 6 to 1 years old.We visited Father Welch thru the years at his various assignments in the Chicago area. He was a great priest and we feel lucky to have had him in our life.Norb & Bonnie Piotrowski
Arlington Heights, IL
Noland E.Middaugh
left a message on February 21, 2020:
Father Welsh was a great friend. We remember him from St. Emily. While our daughter was at St Emily School she asked him to marry her when the time came. Well, the time came and we were in Florida. I contacted Father and he agreed to fly down to Florida to marry our daughter. Our daughter's came by the way was Sylvia. Father came down with your mother and they spent time with us. This was in 1982. We all had a great time. Sylvia is now in her mid-50's and has three children and they live in New York.For us this is a good memory of Father Welsh. We will and have remembered him in our prayers. May God rest his soul.I hope you enjoyed my little story, Thank you, Noland E. Middaugh-Venice, Florida
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Imelda Gascon
left a message on February 21, 2020:
To the Welsh family, my deepest condolences.
I had the privilege of attending Fr. Welsh's Bible class on Wednesdays at St. Lambert. He made the Bible come alive with his scholarly knowledge and faith. He taught with so much joy and wisdom. He will be greatly missed.
May he Rest in Peace.Imee Gascon
William and Mary Anne Wade
left a message on February 20, 2020:
Father Welsh was early in his work in 1969 when he officiated in our marriage. We felt enfolded by his care in the pre-marriage counseling. But he was also comfortable in taking clear joy in the event. When my brother, Best Man, laid three rings on the little dish, Fr. Welsh said just to us, "Three? How many people are getting married?" My brother leaned in and whispered, "The bride's using two, one for every day and one for show." Fr. Welsh smiled and said, "We can do this. We'll use the one for show today. Put this other one in you pocket." My brother did, and then we did and received his blessing. Fifty years later we have six children, four grandchildren and think back on him as putting us on a solid and loving road. We share your feeling of loss, but also continue to carry that warm memory.
Vince & Connie Girgenti
left a message on February 18, 2020:
Your gentle heart and spirit during our holiday gatherings at Uncle Mike & Auntie Christine Welsh's will alway be cherished. Rest in ever loving peace, you will be missed by many.
Roseann Portiera
left a message on February 18, 2020:
I am heart broken to learn of Rev. Welsh's passing. He has and will always remain my favorite priest. I have so many fond memories of him at St. Emily's parish in Des Plaines. Whether it was telling me that chewing gum with braces wasn't actually a sin and that I needed to be nicer to brother Rick, he always had something positive to say to me. The one memory that has stayed with me was a homily he gave during an evening mass about the word "Amen" and what it means when you say it after a prayer. He said it meant "I believe" and from that day forward the word Amen has meant more to me than the last word said after a prayer. I never was able to tell him how much that homily meant to me but I sure hope he can feel it in my heart. God bless you, Father Welsh, and my condolences to your family.
Denise Talend McMorrow
left a message on February 18, 2020:
Father Welsh taught me and my friends at St Emily's School in Mt Prospect. He left a wonderful impact on all of his, nicest priest that really cared about us all. We all are so sad to hear about his illness and passing. But he certainly was the best of the best. He married some of my classmates, did funerals for their parents, etc. He will be forever in each of our hearts and memories. Thank you, Father Welsh, for helping us all.
Camilla Steffen
left a message on February 18, 2020:
May I share my sadness at the passing of Fr. Welsh, and my joy for a man who prayed with me and for me, a genuine loving and kind man, I have remembered you all my life. May your family be comforted in knowing that your help and comforting ways to others were always appreciated. May God Bless you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Amen.
Mary Burbach
left a message on February 18, 2020:
Fr. Welsh was the most amazing person that graced my life, He married me and made me keep my faith for humanity. I’m so thankful I grew up with this amazing man. I will keep his family and loved ones in my thoughts
Art & Myra Krein
left a message on February 18, 2020:
Our deepest condolences to the Welsh Family! Our children loved talking with Fr. Welsh every Sunday, especially when he said "Who Loves You" and they replied "God Loves You". We still talk about it today. Rest in Peace with your Lord.
Terry Parent Essig
left a message on February 18, 2020:
I met your brother when I was in eighth grade at St Francis and he was a newly minted priest. I went to him a few times when I was upset over one thing or another and still remember a couple of one liners he used to help me out of the dumps. He would occasionally come for supper. My mom (Peggy Parent) always kept a hidden can of I think coke but my sister thinks Dr Pepper on reserve for him. There were eight of us. For sure he married four of us including me, but it could have been five. He reached out now and again through the years just to check in. He buried my parents as well as concelebrating my sister Mickee’s funeral mass. Your brother was a truly good, spiritual man. My hope is you take comfort in the knowledge that there’s no way he wasn’t welcomed with open arms into heaven.
Terry Parent Essig
Jane Sullivan Tabourot
left a message on February 18, 2020:
Thoughts and prayers are with Father Welsh's family. My favorite remembrance of Father Welsh was his super human ability to smell a birthday cake from miles away. He remembered the birthdays of everyone in our family and always arrived at our home just in time for cake. He was a wonderful person and one of the kindest, gentlest people I remember from my childhood.
Mary Kay Kissinger Warden
left a message on February 17, 2020:
I will always remember Father Welsh as our soft-spoken, tenderhearted parish priest who never forgot single child’s birthday. He was an incredibly remarkable man.
Arlene Hellmund Epting
left a message on February 17, 2020:
Father Welsh was beloved by all students at St. Francis Xavier Elementary School in t 1960s. He was the most gentle and kind soul. I have often thought of him throughout my life. He is with God in heaven now.
Andy Russo
left a message on February 17, 2020:
Father Welsh was our parish priest growing up at Saint Francis Xavier in Wilmette. Words cannot do justice to how we all felt about Father Welsh and the relationship our families had with this wonderful man. We graduated from Saint Francis School in 1962 and were overjoyed to see him at our 50 year reunion in 2012. We had over 3/4 of our class of 88 return to celebrate and all of us had a personal story to share with Father Welsh. We certainly mourn his passing but know in our hearts that he is safely in heaven serving the Lord as always! God Bless and keep you Father!
Michael Bireley
left a message on February 17, 2020:
As an altar boy you really had to know your Latin for Father Welsh. A couple of times had me restart the Confiteur if he did not like how it was being said! All in all a great guy and one of the last priests I can remember who use to walk the parish and stop by for a visit.
Mary Geldermann Georgopulos
left a message on February 17, 2020:
The angels are singing in heaven, for their good and faithful servant is home at last! Fr. Welsh was the first priest I knew who personally visited me after my First Communion in 1961 to give me an Illustrated New Testament with photos of the Holy Land which he loved and visited so frequently. He made me feel like the most precious child of God that I was. Such a holy man, yet sincerely human to all who were blessed by his presence - a true reflection of "in persona Christi! " May you rest content in the arms of the Trinity.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Caballero Family
left a message on February 16, 2020:
To the Family of Fr. Welsh, our condolences. We loved his sermons, and his wisdom with the gospel every Sunday at the Carmelite Monastery. Fr. Welsh officiated at my father's funeral and visited him at the hospital to give him his last rites we will never forget that. He was a very loving and caring individual
Mary Ann Van Liedekerke Wright Blankenship
left a message on February 16, 2020:
I went to St Theresa's school when Father Welsh arrived he made an everlasting impression on me .He was a great priest and friend, he was loved and I will miss him
Les Lawson Family
left a message on February 16, 2020:
Our deepest sympathies to his family. He was not only a wonderful priest but a great friend. He will be greatly missed.
Joan Chapman Jones
left a message on February 16, 2020:
I met Fr Welsh when he was in his first assignment at St Francis Xavier in Wilmette. He was a priest full of kindness and love. He always wore his cassock and was extremely thoughtful. Once he dropped by my house to wish me Happy Birthday - so nice! In 1970 he officiated at my husband's and my marriage. Through the years I would visit him when back home in Chicago. He always made me feel very special. He was a person of great faith, and taught most eloquently in both his words and example. RIP, dear friend.
Norine (Holleck) Fetter
left a message on February 15, 2020:
I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Fr. Welsh. He was an amazing man and wonderful priest. Heaven just got one of the best! I find happiness and peace knowing he is getting his reward in God’s kingdom.
John Kordecki & Siblings
left a message on February 15, 2020:
Father Welsh – A thoughtful, Kind, Gentle, Strong, Witty Man of Tremendous Faith and Knowledge…to those He touched a gracious gift from GOD.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Kim O'Brien
left a message on June 4, 2021:
In memory of Reverend William P. Welsh, Kim O'Brien lit a candle
Susan A Rutz (Cunningham)
left a message on June 2, 2021:
Father Welsh was like one of the family. His first parish was ours, St. Francis Xavier, in Wilmette. Many school days he would join us kids at the kitchen table for lunch, and my mother treated him just like one of us. We spent many Saturdays, in the fall, at Loyola Academy for football games, riding in Father's Jeep.He baptized my first grandson; gave the memorial eulogy at St. Francis for my father, Patrick Cunningham; and we all went to see him at his 40th Anniversary...with all the grandkids (that were there so far). He will be greatly missed, and was sincerely loved. And to his usual farewell "God Love You"
Laura
left a message on April 13, 2020:
My family loved you and speaki of you today though we haven’t seen you for 40 years
Norbert Piotrowski
left a message on February 28, 2020:
Father Welch married us in 1976 at St. Emily Church, Mt. Prospect, IL. My wife Bonnie took Catholic lessons and was confirmed by Father Welch before we were married. He baptized both of our now grown children, and attended both of their weddings. We now have four grandchildren, ages 6 to 1 years old.We visited Father Welch thru the years at his various assignments in the Chicago area. He was a great priest and we feel lucky to have had him in our life.Norb & Bonnie Piotrowski
Arlington Heights, IL
Noland E.Middaugh
left a message on February 21, 2020:
Father Welsh was a great friend. We remember him from St. Emily. While our daughter was at St Emily School she asked him to marry her when the time came. Well, the time came and we were in Florida. I contacted Father and he agreed to fly down to Florida to marry our daughter. Our daughter's came by the way was Sylvia. Father came down with your mother and they spent time with us. This was in 1982. We all had a great time. Sylvia is now in her mid-50's and has three children and they live in New York.For us this is a good memory of Father Welsh. We will and have remembered him in our prayers. May God rest his soul.I hope you enjoyed my little story, Thank you, Noland E. Middaugh-Venice, Florida
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Imelda Gascon
left a message on February 21, 2020:
To the Welsh family, my deepest condolences.
I had the privilege of attending Fr. Welsh's Bible class on Wednesdays at St. Lambert. He made the Bible come alive with his scholarly knowledge and faith. He taught with so much joy and wisdom. He will be greatly missed.
May he Rest in Peace.Imee Gascon
William and Mary Anne Wade
left a message on February 20, 2020:
Father Welsh was early in his work in 1969 when he officiated in our marriage. We felt enfolded by his care in the pre-marriage counseling. But he was also comfortable in taking clear joy in the event. When my brother, Best Man, laid three rings on the little dish, Fr. Welsh said just to us, "Three? How many people are getting married?" My brother leaned in and whispered, "The bride's using two, one for every day and one for show." Fr. Welsh smiled and said, "We can do this. We'll use the one for show today. Put this other one in you pocket." My brother did, and then we did and received his blessing. Fifty years later we have six children, four grandchildren and think back on him as putting us on a solid and loving road. We share your feeling of loss, but also continue to carry that warm memory.
Vince & Connie Girgenti
left a message on February 18, 2020:
Your gentle heart and spirit during our holiday gatherings at Uncle Mike & Auntie Christine Welsh's will alway be cherished. Rest in ever loving peace, you will be missed by many.
Roseann Portiera
left a message on February 18, 2020:
I am heart broken to learn of Rev. Welsh's passing. He has and will always remain my favorite priest. I have so many fond memories of him at St. Emily's parish in Des Plaines. Whether it was telling me that chewing gum with braces wasn't actually a sin and that I needed to be nicer to brother Rick, he always had something positive to say to me. The one memory that has stayed with me was a homily he gave during an evening mass about the word "Amen" and what it means when you say it after a prayer. He said it meant "I believe" and from that day forward the word Amen has meant more to me than the last word said after a prayer. I never was able to tell him how much that homily meant to me but I sure hope he can feel it in my heart. God bless you, Father Welsh, and my condolences to your family.
Denise Talend McMorrow
left a message on February 18, 2020:
Father Welsh taught me and my friends at St Emily's School in Mt Prospect. He left a wonderful impact on all of his, nicest priest that really cared about us all. We all are so sad to hear about his illness and passing. But he certainly was the best of the best. He married some of my classmates, did funerals for their parents, etc. He will be forever in each of our hearts and memories. Thank you, Father Welsh, for helping us all.
Camilla Steffen
left a message on February 18, 2020:
May I share my sadness at the passing of Fr. Welsh, and my joy for a man who prayed with me and for me, a genuine loving and kind man, I have remembered you all my life. May your family be comforted in knowing that your help and comforting ways to others were always appreciated. May God Bless you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Amen.
Mary Burbach
left a message on February 18, 2020:
Fr. Welsh was the most amazing person that graced my life, He married me and made me keep my faith for humanity. I’m so thankful I grew up with this amazing man. I will keep his family and loved ones in my thoughts
Art & Myra Krein
left a message on February 18, 2020:
Our deepest condolences to the Welsh Family! Our children loved talking with Fr. Welsh every Sunday, especially when he said "Who Loves You" and they replied "God Loves You". We still talk about it today. Rest in Peace with your Lord.
Terry Parent Essig
left a message on February 18, 2020:
I met your brother when I was in eighth grade at St Francis and he was a newly minted priest. I went to him a few times when I was upset over one thing or another and still remember a couple of one liners he used to help me out of the dumps. He would occasionally come for supper. My mom (Peggy Parent) always kept a hidden can of I think coke but my sister thinks Dr Pepper on reserve for him. There were eight of us. For sure he married four of us including me, but it could have been five. He reached out now and again through the years just to check in. He buried my parents as well as concelebrating my sister Mickee’s funeral mass. Your brother was a truly good, spiritual man. My hope is you take comfort in the knowledge that there’s no way he wasn’t welcomed with open arms into heaven.
Terry Parent Essig
Jane Sullivan Tabourot
left a message on February 18, 2020:
Thoughts and prayers are with Father Welsh's family. My favorite remembrance of Father Welsh was his super human ability to smell a birthday cake from miles away. He remembered the birthdays of everyone in our family and always arrived at our home just in time for cake. He was a wonderful person and one of the kindest, gentlest people I remember from my childhood.
Mary Kay Kissinger Warden
left a message on February 17, 2020:
I will always remember Father Welsh as our soft-spoken, tenderhearted parish priest who never forgot single child’s birthday. He was an incredibly remarkable man.
Arlene Hellmund Epting
left a message on February 17, 2020:
Father Welsh was beloved by all students at St. Francis Xavier Elementary School in t 1960s. He was the most gentle and kind soul. I have often thought of him throughout my life. He is with God in heaven now.
Andy Russo
left a message on February 17, 2020:
Father Welsh was our parish priest growing up at Saint Francis Xavier in Wilmette. Words cannot do justice to how we all felt about Father Welsh and the relationship our families had with this wonderful man. We graduated from Saint Francis School in 1962 and were overjoyed to see him at our 50 year reunion in 2012. We had over 3/4 of our class of 88 return to celebrate and all of us had a personal story to share with Father Welsh. We certainly mourn his passing but know in our hearts that he is safely in heaven serving the Lord as always! God Bless and keep you Father!
Michael Bireley
left a message on February 17, 2020:
As an altar boy you really had to know your Latin for Father Welsh. A couple of times had me restart the Confiteur if he did not like how it was being said! All in all a great guy and one of the last priests I can remember who use to walk the parish and stop by for a visit.
Mary Geldermann Georgopulos
left a message on February 17, 2020:
The angels are singing in heaven, for their good and faithful servant is home at last! Fr. Welsh was the first priest I knew who personally visited me after my First Communion in 1961 to give me an Illustrated New Testament with photos of the Holy Land which he loved and visited so frequently. He made me feel like the most precious child of God that I was. Such a holy man, yet sincerely human to all who were blessed by his presence - a true reflection of "in persona Christi! " May you rest content in the arms of the Trinity.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Caballero Family
left a message on February 16, 2020:
To the Family of Fr. Welsh, our condolences. We loved his sermons, and his wisdom with the gospel every Sunday at the Carmelite Monastery. Fr. Welsh officiated at my father's funeral and visited him at the hospital to give him his last rites we will never forget that. He was a very loving and caring individual
Mary Ann Van Liedekerke Wright Blankenship
left a message on February 16, 2020:
I went to St Theresa's school when Father Welsh arrived he made an everlasting impression on me .He was a great priest and friend, he was loved and I will miss him
Les Lawson Family
left a message on February 16, 2020:
Our deepest sympathies to his family. He was not only a wonderful priest but a great friend. He will be greatly missed.
Joan Chapman Jones
left a message on February 16, 2020:
I met Fr Welsh when he was in his first assignment at St Francis Xavier in Wilmette. He was a priest full of kindness and love. He always wore his cassock and was extremely thoughtful. Once he dropped by my house to wish me Happy Birthday - so nice! In 1970 he officiated at my husband's and my marriage. Through the years I would visit him when back home in Chicago. He always made me feel very special. He was a person of great faith, and taught most eloquently in both his words and example. RIP, dear friend.
Norine (Holleck) Fetter
left a message on February 15, 2020:
I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Fr. Welsh. He was an amazing man and wonderful priest. Heaven just got one of the best! I find happiness and peace knowing he is getting his reward in God’s kingdom.
John Kordecki & Siblings
left a message on February 15, 2020:
Father Welsh – A thoughtful, Kind, Gentle, Strong, Witty Man of Tremendous Faith and Knowledge…to those He touched a gracious gift from GOD.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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