Robert Welch

Robert S. Welch Sr., lovingly known to many as “Bobby,” passed away peacefully on the morning of May 22, 2026, at the age of 82, surrounded by the love of his wife and family after a courageous battle with illness. Even in his final moments, Bobby showed the same strength, courage, and love for life that defined him every day. His spirit, humor, and appreciation for life remained evident until his very last breath. Born on February 8, 1944, and raised in Englewood, New Jersey, Robert was the beloved son of the late Rose Mary Oprandy and John “Jack” G. Welch, and his brother affectionately known as “Jackie,” whom he deeply missed throughout his life. Robert proudly served with the Englewood Fire Department for 25 years, retiring with the rank of Captain. He was respected for his dedication, leadership, and bravery throughout his years of service. In addition to his firefighting career, Robert also worked at Napolitano’s Produce alongside his lifelong best friend, where countless friendships and lasting memories were made. Robert leaves behind his loving and devoted wife, Kathryn Michele Welch“Kathi” . Together they made their home in Wesley Chapel, Florida, where they built a beautiful life filled with friends, family, golf, laughter, and their beloved black lab, Olivia, whom he adored. Robert was the proud and loving father of Robert & Lucia Welch, Tammi & Michael Ingannamorte, and Kimberly & Butch Leopold, whom he raised in Dumont, NJ alongside their mother, Loel. Nothing brought Bobby greater pride than his children and grandchildren. He was the cherished grandfather of Samantha Loel, Jake Christopher, Nicole Rose, Michael Anthony, and Robert S. Welch III. He was also blessed with the love of Kathi’s children, Ross & Molly, and Jana & Jill, along with many additional grandchildren whom he embraced wholeheartedly. Family was everything to Bobby, and having six children and twelve grandchildren brought immeasurable joy and fullness to his life. Bobby also leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, godchildren, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were forever touched by his kindness, humor, and generous heart. After retirement, Bobby fully embraced life and the things he loved most. He especially enjoyed golfing, spending time on his boat, and making memories during many unforgettable years at Cornetta’s, a place he considered his second home, where friends became family. A proud cancer survivor, Robert faced every challenge in life with determination, resilience, and optimism. Through every illness and obstacle, he fought courageously, supported every step of the way by the unwavering love and care of his wife, Kathi, and the support of all his children. A lifelong parishioner of St. Cecilia’s Church, Bobby will return there one final time for his Funeral Mass and final sacrament at the same church where he was baptized and received all the sacraments throughout his life — a full-circle moment in a life deeply rooted in faith, family, and tradition. Bobby will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, firefighter, and friend whose kindness, humor, generosity, and loyalty touched countless lives. He truly lived life to its fullest and leaves behind cherished memories that will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Visitation will be held Friday, May 29, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Barrett Funeral Home in Tenafly, New Jersey. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday at 10:00 AM at St. Cecilia’s Church, followed by burial at Mount Carmel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Robert’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, causes that were especially meaningful to him.