Brian Whitman Welch passed away April 22, 2024 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Brian was born on September 14, 1943, in Hartford, Connecticut to Rosalie (Rafferty) and Maurice Bernard Welch, Jr. He graduated from Cranwell Preparatory School, Lenox, MA in 1962 and The University of Maryland in 1974.

Brian enlisted in the Navy in 1963 as a Seaman Recruit. He served as an Electronics Technician until the rank of Petty Officer First Class. He served on board USS Intrepid (CVA-11), USS Jamestown (AGTR-3), USS Guadal Canal (LPH-7) and USNS Bowditch. He served ashore at NAVSTA Great Lakes, Illinois, abroad in Morocco, Homestead, Florida, Fort Meade, Maryland, and Norfolk, VA. He retired from the Navy in 1983 as the rank of Lieutenant.

Brian is survived by his wife of 58 years, Susan Rice Welch; sons Matthew R. Welch and wife Maryanne, and Jeffrey W. Welch and wife Lisiane; and his beloved grandchildren: Benjamin, Samuel, Bianca, Nicholas and Olivia. He is also survived by his brothers: Mark R. Welch, wife Patty of Newington, CT, Christopher J. Welch of San Marcos, CA, and Andrew M. Welch of Vernon, CT. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother Barry K. Welch

After retiring from the Navy, Brian worked as a senior programmer analyst for Advanced Technology, as Manager, Norfolk Facility for SeaBeam Instruments and Tidewater Manager for General Instrument.

Brian was a ham radio operator since the age of 15 and a member of the local American Radio Relay League. He was an avid reader and never met a book he didn’t love.

Brian will be cremated, and his ashes will be buried at sea. A service will be held at a later date.