Regis Alphonse Welsh's Obituary
Regis Alphonse Welsh, age 98, of Madison Heights, Michigan, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, September 14, 2024.
Born in Braddock, Pennsylvania, Regis was the second youngest of thirteen siblings. His mother passed away when he was only ten years old, and he was raised primarily by his older sisters in their homes.
In 1943, in the middle of World War II, at the young age of seventeen, Regis left his junior year of high school to join the United States Navy. Forging his father’s signature, he left the town he grew up in for the very first time to serve his country.
Regis met the love of his life, Marianna, before he left for the Navy, and maintained a friendship with her during his time in the service. He returned home in 1946 to finish high school and begin their life together. During this time, he also attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he began working toward a degree in Pharmacy. They married in 1948, and in 1951 they moved to Michigan to embrace an opportunity for work.
After settling in Michigan, with two young daughters at home, Regis embarked on yet another brave journey, going back to college at Wayne State University to earn his degree. In 1962, at the age of 35, he officially became a pharmacist. Over the course of his career, he worked as a store manager and pharmacist at Arnold Drugs, and he was a loyal and dedicated pharmacist for Farmer Jacks for over thirty years retiring in 1989.
Regis was a dedicated member of St. Vincent Ferrer Church, and he was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus since 1952. He spent many years giving back to his community through his work with the Knights.
Regis was a devoted husband and grandfather who truly cared so deeply for his family and friends. He enjoyed traveling over the years to Germany and Italy, and he loved going back to Pennsylvania whenever the opportunity arose.
He was a bit spoiled by his family, especially in the last year of his life, but they wouldn’t have had it any other way. He was blessed to be cared for by some special friends outside of our family, Mark Baker became his best bud and another grandson to him, and the staff and residents at Stratford House became his second family. A special thank you to Ron Bertolini, your friendship was a blessing and beyond measure. His family will be forever grateful for the care he received.
Regis was preceded in death by his beloved wife of over 71 years, Marianna. He is survived by his daughters, Catherine Sage and Maureen Gonzales (Berney); Granddaughters, Carrie Madley (Steve), Shannon Messer (Jason), Tamara Pesaros (Paul); Great-grandchildren, Cameron (Aubrie), Mateo, Keiton, Isidora, Thea, Drew Regis and Great-great grandson, Maverick. He was also preceded in death by his son-in-law, Tom Sage, his parents, Michael and Catherine Welsh, and his siblings, Terry, Catherine, Margaret, Rita, Thomas, Patricia, Geraldine, Robert, Charles, Arthur, Clara, Joseph, and James.
Visitation will take place on Friday, September 20th from 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm with a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 7:30 pm followed by a Chalice presentation by the 4th Degree Knights at Hopcroft Funeral Home, 31145 John R Road, Madison Heights (one block north of 13 Mile Road on the west side of John R Road). The funeral will be held on Saturday, September 21st, Instate 10:30 am with Funeral Mass at 11:00 am at St. Vincent Ferrer, 28353 Herbert St, Madison Heights, MI 48071. Burial to take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, Michigan on Monday, September 23rd at 10:30 am.
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