Thomas E. Welch
Obituary
May 12, 1937 – October 11, 2023

Thomas (Tom) Welch passed from this life to eternal life on October 11, 2023. He was a man of deep faith in God and a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Tom was born on May 12, 1937, to Vincent and Aurielda Welch in Lincoln Park, Michigan. Tom grew up in Lincoln Park with three brothers. In high school, he was initially enrolled in a seminary before transferring to Salesian High School in Detroit. He later completed his degree at the University of Detroit by attending night school even while fully employed.

Even though Tom did not find his calling in the priesthood, Catholic faith was deeply rooted in Tom from an early age. After being introduced by a cousin, Tom married the love of his life Katherine (Davidson) Welch in 1958 and they enjoyed 65 years of marriage. The couple settled initially in Lincoln Park but spent many years in Trenton before moving to Novi in 2001. Tom and Kay had nine children, 21 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Tom was a loving father who supported his children and grandchildren in various pursuits. He was often seen at their sporting or other events "home or away".

As an adult, he shared his faith through example and his gift of song with a deep bass voice in church choirs and as an occasional soloist. His gift was natural, as he liked to remind others that he could not read a note. In his later years, his children and grandchildren were blessed with an annual phone call during which he sang a happy birthday wish. At the prompting of his children, Tom even recorded (in a single take) a now cherished CD that was entitled "Grampa's Greatest Hits.".

Tom worked for a few years in accounting at Great Lakes Steel before making his way into the investment profession. He started with Watling, Lerchen & Co. before forming his own firm in 1974. At the time, it was known as T. I. Investments. Tom prided himself on putting the needs of his clients first and viewed himself as one who could provide solutions to their needs. Tom was also proud that two of his sons chose to continue in the investment business by forming their own firm with the support of two of his daughters and grandson.

After retiring from a full-time role in the investment business, Tom enjoyed his large family, playing cards, woodworking and regularly watching the Detroit Tigers. Tom approached woodworking with craftsmanship and precision, completing beautiful pieces of cabinetry and furniture for home and family. Tom was honored to be asked to provide custom made pieces for the chapel and church at the Church of the Holy Family in Novi.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, daughters Mary Ann and Catherine, and grandson Aidan. Tom is survived by his wife Katherine (Kay), children Mark (Brenda), Theresa Myers (Lyle), Amy Kelley (Michael), Michael (Jennifer), Daniel (Karen), Joanne Kerr and Jason (Melissa), 20 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

The remembrance of Tom's life will begin with a visitation and holy rosary on Sunday, October 15 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, with the rosary being recited at 4:30 pm, at the O'Brien-Sullivan Funeral Home, 41555 Grand River Avenue, Novi. The funeral celebration will be on Monday October 16 with a viewing at 10:00 am followed by a funeral Mass at 10:30 am, both of which will be at the Church of the Holy Family, 24505 Meadowbrook Road, Novi followed by a luncheon beginning at 1:00 pm at Walnut Creek Country Club , 25501 Johns Road, South Lyon. The Funeral Mass at Holy Family will be available to watch on livestream, and can be found by clicking here .

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Blessed Solanus Casey Center , 1780 Mount Elliot Street in Detroit.