Raymond J. Welch Jr.
1924 - 2011

SOUTHWICK – Raymond J. Welch Jr., 87, formerly of Suffield died Friday in Noble Hospital. Ray was born in New Haven, CT the only son of Raymond J. Welch Sr. and Mary Anna Schaaf. At East Hartford High School Ray excelled in basketball, track, and his favorite sport football. In March 1943 at the age of 17, Ray and 30 other classmates left high school early to enlist in the United States Army. He fought with the 10th Mountain Division in Italy earning the Combat Infantry Badge, European Theater Medal with 4 Battle Stars and the Bronze Star. At one point he was the personal driver for Humphrey Bogart, who was entertaining the troops. After the war in 1946, Ray played on the University of Miami Hurricanes Football Team. A car salesman his whole life, he owned Suffield Auto Sales from 1970 – 1980. Ray was a Life Member and former Commander of VFW Post 9544 in Suffield, Connecticut. He was an original founder of the Suffield VFW Little League Team and was a member of the 10th Mountain Division Association as well as the American Legion Post 124 in Westfield, Mass. In 1953 Ray married Sophie Stepas and they had 3 sons together. Ray is survived by Sophie (Stepas) Welch of Suffield, CT; two sons Raymond Welch III and his wife Mary of Sonoma, CA and Mark Welch and his wife Karen of Somers, CT; and six grandchildren Megan, Katie, Adam Joseph, Gina and Karisa Welch. Ray was predeceased by his son Brian Welch in 1978. The funeral will be held at the Curran-Jones Funeral Home, 109 Main Street, West Springfield, MA Wednesday at 12:00 Noon followed by burial in the Massachusetts Veteran's Memorial Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held prior to the funeral Wednesday from 10:30 – Noon. For online condolences please visit curranjones.com.