WEST SPRINGFIELD – William D. "Bill" Welch, 89, of Highland Lane died Friday in Whidden Memorial Hospital in Everett. A lifelong resident of West Springfield and long time member of the Vero Beach, FL, community, Bill spent his last several months at the Soldiers' Home in Chelsea. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 17 in 1945. An anti-aircraft machine gunner on the USS Boston, Bill served in Japan and obtained the rank of Corporal. A graduate of West Springfield High School, Bill worked for the Baystate Elevator Company for many years, serving as the Business Agent for Elevator Constructors Local 41. He was a communicant of Holy Family Church and longtime member of the American Legion Post 207, the Knights of Columbus Council #2212, and a lifetime member of the former West Springfield/Agawam Elks Club. Bill served as a member of the West Springfield Housing Authority, Past Chairman of the Democratic Town Committee, a Town Meeting Member, and coach for Little League Football. Bill was predeceased by his wife of forty-two years, Marjorie (Macauley) Welch, daughter Joanne M. Welch, son William T. Welch, brothers Robert T. and James C. Welch and son-in-law Joseph K. Mackey. He leaves two daughters, Paula Mackey of Somerville and Patricia Burns and her husband Daniel of West Springfield; a sister, Dr. Mary Mack; grandchildren Erin Mackey Kistler and her husband Daniel, Christopher Mackey and his wife Dana; Daniel Burns, Hayley Burns, and Alyssa Mackey; and great grandson, Joseph Kistler. He also leaves his longtime "sweetie," Hazel Parton, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. Visiting hours will be held Thursday morning from 9:30 – 11:00am at the West Springfield Curran-Jones Funeral Home, followed by a funeral mass at St. Thomas the Apostle Church at 11:30 am and burial in St. Thomas Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer & Parkinson Association (2300 5th Ave #150, Vero Beach, FL 32960) or the West Springfield public Library Capital Campaign (200 Park St., W. Springfield, MA 01089). For more details, please visit curranjones.com.