Patrick W. Welsh IV of Chester passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 19, 2021. He was 48 years old.
The son of Patrick W. Welsh III and Wendy E. Ward Welsh, he was born on April 4, 1973, in Goshen.
A graduate of Monroe-Woodbury High School, Patrick attended Cortland College, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and Rockland Community College where he obtained his associates degree in Criminal Justice.
While at Rockland, he was named to the NJCAA Scholastic All-American Basketball Team.
Patrick was a retired chief of the Town of Tuxedo Police Department. He was a member of the Sterling Forest Fire Company and past chief of Tuxedo Joint Fire District.
Patrick began his career in law enforcement working as a dispatcher for the Town of Tuxedo Police Department. As a fresh graduate of the Orange County Police Academy in January 1996, he obtained his first job as a police officer for the Village of Tuxedo Park. In July 1997, he transferred to the Town of Tuxedo Police Department as a police officer and was eventually promoted to sergeant in 2001 and police chief in 2010. Patrick was awarded Police Officer of the Year for the Town of Tuxedo in 1998.
A lover of all things sports, Patrick was often found participating in or being an active spectator at sporting events. He was an unapologetic fan of the Jets and an avid fan of the Yankees, taking in his last live event at Yankee Stadium on June 2 for Lou Gehrig Day.
He reserved his most passionate cheering and found the most delight in watching his daughters compete on the tennis court, at the shot put throwing pits, basketball court and softball and soccer fields. He was often found in the bleachers or on the sidelines cheering on his girls and encouraging them to victory.
Patrick took pleasure in serving others. Perhaps this is evident to most through his choice of occupation and volunteer work. For those who knew him well it was seen in the small things, often unrecognized until later, that he did in an attempt to alleviate burdens and bring joy to family, friends, and strangers. He had a knack for anticipating and delivering what another might need before that need was apparent to the recipient.
Patrick found the most peace at the beach in Seaside Park, New Jersey. Fondly referred to as the unofficial mayor of “N” Street, he was often found sitting out in front of the house spending countless hours talking with neighbors, who quickly became friends, over the fifteen summers he spent there. Patrick was most happy serving his guests and family, including his many nieces and nephews, at the beach. Whether flipping burgers over a hot grill, baiting fishing lines or crab traps, or spending endless hours on the ocean’s edge as his loved ones’ personal lifeguard, Patrick always served others with a smile.
Survivors include his wife Rebecca Spear Welsh at home; daughters: Grace, Marian, Natalie and Faith Ann, all of Chester; parents Patrick W. Welsh III and Wendy Welsh of Monroe; brother Timothy Welsh and his wife Jamie of Glen Ridge, N.J.; sister Randi Lee Brogan and her husband Timothy of Highland Mills; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be Sunday, June 27, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Home, 117 Maple Ave., Monroe.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, June 28, at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 26 Still Road, Monroe.
Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Washingtonville.
Memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, New York 10306.
Arrangements by Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Home, Monroe (845 782-8185 or www.ssqfuneralhome.com).