Obituary of Maurice John "Pete" Welch

ASHTABULA – Maurice John “Pete” Welch, 82, lifelong resident of Ashtabula died Thursday, October 20, 2022 at The Lantern of Saybrook due to complications from dementia. Pete was born November 5, 1939 in Ashtabula. He was the son of James E. and Mary Catherine “May"(Gouhin) Welch who were both proud Irish Catholics. Pete was in the first graduating class at St. John High School in 1957. He attended John Carroll University and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Economics and English Literature in 1961. Pete was also a graduate of the Savings and Loan Academy and the American Bankers College. He worked for 13 years for First Federal Savings and Loan. Pete then worked 25 years for Key Bank where he was Vice-President prior to retiring in 2000. During his professional career, he also taught business courses at Kent State University, Ashtabula Campus, served with the Chamber of Commerce, and volunteered with the Ashtabula Area Development Association. A lifelong member of St. Joseph Church, Pete had served on both the Parish Council and the Finance Committee. Pete was a longtime volunteer calling bingo on Thursday nights. Pete valued his faith which guided him throughout his life. A proud Irishman, he enjoyed politics, current events, all things Cleveland sports, and getting together with his poker group on Friday nights (never on Good Friday, of course.) He shared lifelong friendships that began in kindergarten and were cherished for a lifetime. Most of all, Pete loved and adored his family. He raised three daughters to value the importance of family. He was without question the best Dad and Papa ever! His survivors include his wife, JoAnn (Tetlow) Casciola Welch, whom he married May 31, 2003; three children, Maureen (Tom) Surbella, Margaret “Peggy” (J.P.) Ducro, both of Ashtabula and Mollie (Mark) Barnes of Highland Heights; nine grandchildren, Gabriella Novak, Matthew and Logan Surbella, Mary Catherine, Elizabeth Ann, Sara Lynn and Anna Rose Ducro, and Ethan James and Lauren Paige Barnes; step-children, Justin (Jaime) Casciola of Chicago, IL, Allan (Lisa) Casciola of St. Louis, MO, and Anne (Domingo) Gomez of Bay Village; 10 step-grandchildren; and his brother-in-law, David English. Pete was also very close with his two nephews, James (Faye) English and Ted English. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marjorie (Capitena) Welch; his sister, Mary Jude English; and his parents. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at Our Lady of Peace - St. Joseph Church, 3330 Lake Avenue, Ashtabula. Rev. Raymond Thomas will preside. A private burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery. Calling hours will be held from 6-8PM on Monday, October 24, 2022 at the Zaback-Williams-Ducro Funeral Home, 500 W. Prospect Road, Ashtabula. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. John School, 7911 Depot Rd, Ashtabula, OH, Malachi House of Cleveland, 2810 Clinton Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113, or National Shrine of St. Judes, 3200 E 91st St, Chicago, IL 60617 www.ducro.com