It is with extreme sadness that the family of Gary M. Welsh announces his death on August 29, 2022 at Rose Haven Personal Care Home. Gary had dealt with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease for 12 years and additional health complications led to increased health challenges.
Gary was born December 2, 1940 to Rosella (Hughes) and Martin J. Welsh in Braddock, PA. He was a 1958 graduate of Scott High School, served in the United States Air Force 1958-1962. Following his military discharge, Gary joined the Pennsylvania State Police and served at Troop D Butler from 1962 – 1984, retiring with the rank of Corporal.
He then began a second career as Administrator of the Criminal Justice Training Center at Indiana University of PA from 1984 – 2005.He served on the PA Municipal Police Officer Education and Training Commission from 1995- 2002. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and The Knights of Columbus.
Work and education were important to Gary but so was his family. In order to spend quality time together, his family would travel with him to his Pitt classes and the children did homework in the Cathedral of Learning while Dad was in class. Gary earned his MA in Administration of Justice from Pitt.
Gary is survived by his wife Barbara (Bodnar), daughter Karen M., son Gary P. (Karen B.) and grandchildren Truman and Kennedy. Also surviving him is a sister Barbara J. Wershbale
(Robert), special cousin Harriet J. Irwin (deceased Robert), as well as extended family and numerous friends/colleagues.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, September 8, 2022 at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish (Lucerne site) at 11am. Interment will follow in the Parish Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Jude Children’s’ Research Center or a Charity of choice.
A Thank You to Aveanna Health Care, Asera Hospice; A special Thank You to Charity Laney and April Swanek who provided care as well as caring.
Arrangements have been handled by the Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home & Crematory, Indiana, PA. Online condolences may be made at: www.rbfh.net.
