07/15/2025
HAVERHILL - Edward T. Welch Jr., 66. It was with heavy hearts our family said goodbye to Edward T. Welch Jr., lovingly known to many as “Ned” on July 2, 2025.
Ned was born on July 14, 1958, and was raised in Charlestown and Wilmington. He later moved to Haverhill, where he raised his children Sophie and Jeremiah. There was no greater joy for Ned than being a dad to his children and his dog Charlie. Sophie summed up her dad perfectly, “My sweet, quirky, funny, wondrously intelligent dad. I can’t believe you aren’t here anymore.” To know Ned was to love him. He was remarkably intelligent, and at times it felt as though he truly knew everything—history, science, current events, economics. His knowledge was wide-ranging and deeply rooted. What made him even more impressive was his extraordinary memory, which allowed him to absorb new information and immediately connect it to what he already knew, always deepening his understanding with thoughtful precision. He was thoughtful and kind beyond words. He had a knack for listening and remembering everyone’s interest and buying just the right gift to suit that person. A holiday or birthday wasn’t a necessary precursor to receiving a gift from Ned- being thoughtful and generous was just part of who he was. A book on a subject you had expressed interest in, a helpful tool for a project you were working on, a framed art print that reminded him of you, or sometimes an interesting find on the side of the road- all gifts that anyone who knew him had probably received at some point or another. The only thing that rivaled Ned’s love of learning or gift-giving was his love of music, evidenced by his collection of hundreds of albums spanning all genres. He introduced many of us to bands and artists that still resonate when we listen, and he was always ahead of the trends. His interest extended to all forms of audio, including speakers, and turntables, which he enjoyed refurbishing as a hobby.
Ned worked in construction for over 40 years. He was currently working at his brother Michael’s Quality Addition and Remodeling as a project manager. He enjoyed working alongside his brother and nephews and cherished his relationship with them. Ned coached Little League when Jeremiah played and hoped to get back to it this year. He loved his Sunday morning walks with Sophie at Winnekini and long drives with Charlie to Western Massachusetts, where he frequented the Mohawk Trail to find peace and quiet. He loved to hike around and stop at his favorite antique stores and art shops, looking for treasures or things that he just found to be “cool.” Other times, Ned found solace fishing on the shores of local lakes or in the surf at Plum Island. He was a devoted great-uncle to Jack and Owen, sharing a special bond with each of them. He especially cherished watching nature and fishing programs with Jack, and treasured their time together at the lake, casting lines and making memories.
Ned is survived by his daughter Sophie Frances Welch and her partner, Derek Langlois. Ned was predeceased by his son Jeremiah Andrew Welch and his parents, Joan Frances Welch (DeFiore) and Edward T. Welch, Sr. Ned is also survived by his sister, Joan Welch and her spouse Sheryl Sousa of Plymouth, his brother, Michael Welch and his wife Tricia of Wilmington, and his sister Nanci Welch of Wilmington, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, great cousins, aunts, uncles and friends. Thank you to all who cared for Ned, sat with him and visited and especially to his loving niece, Erin Welch Medeiros who was a fierce advocate, a comforting presence and a wealth of knowledge to everyone through this most trying time.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend calling hours on Tuesday, July 22 from 4PM until 7PM at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main Street, Haverhill. Please visit www.comeaufuneral.com or Comeau Funeral Home on Facebook.
