Obituary of Sean M. Welch
Sean M. Welch
Olean, NY Sean M. Welch, 50, of 130 N. 12th St. and also of Eldred, PA passed away at home peacefully in his sleep Monday August 7, 2017.
Born October 24, 1966 in Olean he was the son of Martin J. and Mary F. McGarvey Welch, Sr.
Mr. Welch was a 1985 graduate of Olean High School where he played varsity football and was the 1984 recipient of the Hookey Frey Award. He was also a member of the track and field team as a pole-vaulter. He then attended SUNY Oneonta where he majored in physics. He subsequently earned his teaching credentials at St. Bonaventure University.
Mr. Welch taught physics and calculus at the Cameron County School District for 26 years. He was an exceptionally gifted and passionately devoted teacher who was highly revered by his students for his dedication in preparing them for the rigors of study at the University level. Former students frequently contacted him to express their gratitude for being so well prepared. His passion for teaching and the pursuit of knowledge did not stop at the school doors. He tutored many students and adults over the years, never passing up an opportunity to share what he knew not only in his chosen field but also in history, his favorite topic. He had an incredible ability to recall facts, dates and details with ease, further enriching any conversation of which he was a part.
Surviving are a brother Martin (Janet) Welch, Jr. and their three children of Lancaster, CA; his former wife Terri Cooney of Austin, PA with whom he maintained a close and loving relationship; his aunt Mary (Joseph) Valentinelli of Dryden; his uncle Ronald (Eileen) Welch and aunt Bernice Welch, both of Eldred, PA and numerous cousins.
He was predeceased by his parents and an uncle Dr. Jack Welch.
Friends will be received on Friday from 5-8pm at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Rd. Olean. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday (August 12, 2017) at 8:30am at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels. Rev. David Tourville, associate pastor, will be the celebrant. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Cameron County SPCA or to a charity of the donor's choice.
Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.
