Joseph R. Welch, 81, of North Utica passed away on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center. Joseph was born in Utica on March 19, 1939, a son of the late Howard and Loretta (McDermott) Welch. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving from 1960 to 1963. On June 19, 1977 Joseph was united in marriage to Doris Dodge. For many years until his retirement Joseph was employed with CNY Regional Transit Authority. After his retirement he drove bus for various bus companies. Joseph was a member and historian for the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Joseph is survived by his wife, Doris; his three children, JoAnn Marie (Joe) Roberts, Holland Patent, Shawn Welch, Beaver Falls, PA and Joseph P. (Nancy) Welch, Beaver Falls, PA; a brother, Howard Welch, Utica; stepchildren, Susan (Steve) Casey, Ilion, and Richard Rennie, TX; seven grandchildren; a great granddaughter, Dalia; nephew, Marty Welch; niece, Mary Monaco and his canine companion, Lily. Joseph was predeceased by a brother, Irving Welch and a stepson, Edward Rennie. Calling hours for Mr. Welch will be held on Monday, January 4, 2021 from 3:00 – 4:00 at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica with a service to be held at 4:00. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at the VA Hospital for all the loving care they gave to Joseph throughout the years.