Albert “John” Welch

John passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 9, 2026 with his wife beside him. John was born in Erie, PA on Feb 1, 1947 to Bud and June Welch. John and his brother Jim were preemie twins and the first babies in St. Vincent Hospital to be placed in an incubator. His parents relocated to Green Tree when John was a young boy. John was fascinated by the construction of new homes being built along Parkedge Road and Sheldon Avenue in the early 1960’s and although John couldn’t physically help with the construction, the workers told him he could “supervise” their efforts and they gave him his nickname “Soupy”.

Like his father before him, John joined the Green Tree Volunteer Fire Company in 1971 and served as the fire company’s secretary for more than 20 years. John was a lifetime member of the fire company and said that being a fireman was one of his life’s greatest accomplishments and he was honored to serve the people of Green Tree.

John met his wife Debby, who was also a volunteer at Green Tree Volunteer Fire Company as an EMT, when they both responded to a fire call in the summer of 1982. John and Debby were married the following spring and enjoyed 43 happy years together. John retired from Green Tree Borough where he worked for 30 years in the Public Works Department.

John is survived by his wife, Mary Deborah Welch (Debby), his brother, Jim Welch (Ruth), his niece Carlee Welch, brother-in-law Michael D. Pavelek (Diane), Machan Pavelek (Elma), sister-in-law Arlene Pavelek and many loving nieces and nephews. If anyone would like to make a donation in John’s name, please send to Green Tree Volunteer Fire Company, 825 Poplar St. Pittsburgh, PA 15220.

Family and friends are welcome Wednesday, July 15, 2026 from 2-4 & 6-8 PM, with a Firefighters final salute at 7:30 PM  WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE, 1650 Greentree Rd., Scott Twp., 15220, (412-563-2800). Memorial Service, Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 10AM in the funeral home chapel. Burial private.

www.slaterfuneral.com