MICHAEL ANTHONY WELSH
Michael Anthony Welsh, 63, of Connersville, passed away early Monday morning, July 4, 2022, at his residence after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born April 16, 1959, in Connersville, one of six children of James Joseph and Mary Ann Risch Welsh. He was a 1978 graduate of Connersville High School.
He was a self-employed carpenter and worked in the building trades his whole adult life, including the Connersville area, Tampa Florida, Dallas Texas, and St. Croix in the Virgin Islands.
Mike grew up working with his uncle and cousins on Risch Farms. He loved FFA, horses, dogs, and the farm life. Mike was an avid swimmer and diver in his youth, full of energy and afraid of nothing. He found his niche at Connersville Building Trades rising to the top of his class. He was a very talented builder and worked with his dad throughout his teen years before starting his own business. He especially liked finish carpentry and creating or recreating new and renewed finishes. He was proud of his various volunteer work and supported many projects, such as the train station in Connersville’s downtown area. He volunteered to help rebuild facilities on the island of St. Croix after hurricane Hugo devasted the area. That ultimately led to several years of paid work managing building crews during reconstruction of island buildings. He met many friends on St. Croix before returning to Connersville.
He taught building trades at Connersville Vocational School. During his time there, he met his wife, Mary Beth. He was very patient with kids of all types who wanted to learn his craft. He and Mary Beth built a beautiful home south of town where they enjoyed riding horses, shooting trap and skeet, and caring for his dogs. His love of horses was one reason he became proficient at breaking them for good saddle and work dispositions.
Mike was a friend to many, had a big heart, and would lend a hand to anyone in need. He loved watching sports of all types. He especially loved following Spartan sports, but his favorite was the men’s and women’s basketball teams. He eagerly followed the Triple Crown horse races, the Colts, Bengals, and the Cincinnati Reds but could talk about many other sporting teams and events. His smile and good humor will be missed by many.
Survivors include his mother, Mary Ann (Charles) Snyder of Connersville; a sister, Jama (Mike) Maenza of Brentwood, Tennessee; four brothers, Patrick (Sheri) Welsh of Park, Texas, Paul (Rebecca) Welsh of Irvine, California, Douglas Welsh of Muncie, and Eric Welsh (Theresa White) of Xenia-Wilberforce, Ohio; and his companion, Pamela Wilhelm of Connersville.
He was preceded in death by his father, James Joseph Welsh, who passed away November 26, 1990; and his wife, Mary Beth Berghian-Welsh, who passed away February 11, 2001.
The rosary will be recited at 11 a.m. followed by visitation until 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home. A funeral service conducted by Reverend John Hall will be held at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Dale Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.