1950 - 2017
Visitation
December 21, 20179:00 to 11:00 AM
Dolan Funeral Home, Chelmsford, MA
Funeral
December 21, 201711:00 A.M.
Dolan Funeral Home 106 Middlesex St. Chelmsford MA 01863
W
alter “Barry” Welcome, 67, of Westford died peacefully on Friday night, December 15, 2017 in Home Hospice care after a prolonged illness. He is married to his devoted wife, Lou (Amelia) Welcome who lovingly supported him and would have celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary on August 11, 2018.
Born in Lowell he was the son of the late Walter R. Welcome and Eleanor (Hamel) Welcome.
Barry graduated from Lowell High School with the class of 1969 and attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston until drafted into the US Army during the Vietnam War Era.
He was a member of the American Legion Post 313 of North Chelmsford.
Barry was an avid musician and music teacher. In his youth he toured with Herb Reed and the Platters. He loved all music genres and could play many instruments with a concentration on guitar, saxophone and keyboards. He enjoyed playing football while a student and watching Patriots football every season.
Besides his wife he is survived by his sister, Bonnie Burrows of Lowell, nephew, Christopher Burrows, niece, Kimberly Anick and her husband, Jason of Portsmouth, NH, sister, Cheryl Welcome and niece, Emma Webster of Lowell, brother, Raymond Welcome and niece, Kacey Wilson of Lowell, brother, Mark Welcome of Concord, NH, brother, Scott Welcome and his wife, Cristina and nephew, Christian of Lawrence, and sister, Michelle Welcome and nephew, Jai Hylton of Fitchburg.
Visitation Thursday 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. with a Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. at the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 106 MIDDLESEX ST. CHELMSFORD, MA. Memorials may be made in his name to either LGH Cancer Center, 295 Varnum Ave., Lowell, MA 01854 or to the VNA Hospice of Woburn, 100 Trade Center, Woburn, MA 01801. ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041. Guestbook at www.dolanfuneralhome.com
George Hovey
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So many great memories that I’ll never forget, thank you Barry.
Sue & Jim Barry
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Remembering a big smile, an unbelievable musical talent and a love of life. You will be missed by all of us who loved you.
Diane & Ed Dionne
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So sorry for your Loss Lou, Bonnie & families. God Bless Barry & all of you. So hard to lose our loved ones especially during the Christmas Holiday. You are all in our thoughts & prayers. Love Diane & Eddie Dionne
Ric Page
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So saddened to hear this news.
I hope you find solace in knowing friends are keeping the Welcome Family in their thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
Rest in Peace, Barry!
John Fugarino
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Lou and family, my deepest sympathy’s in this time of sadness and loss
Barry, Leader of the Band, tireless Composer, Arranger, Performer, Educator, I learned so much from you , your presence was always a comfort
as I sought your guidance and support.
rest in peace Barry as you are surrounded by the music of the heavens!
Jerry Fitch
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I offer my heartfelt condolences to You (Lou), and all the Welcome Family during such a difficult time. Barry offered so much and to so many through his years of dedication and passion with music, as I know I speak for so many others on the same. There will always be many smiles, laughs, and memories to cherish. God Bless Barry Welcome.
Jim Kauffman
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Barry was a great guy, And an Incredible Multi-Talented Musician. Loved Jammin’ with Him, and jokin’ around at the Legion. Sympathies & Condolences to the Welcome Family.
linda varnum
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Sympathies and condolences to all in the Welcome family….Barry was a wonderful guy with an amazing talent….Such a great sense of humor….You will be sadly missed by all…..
Chris Brunelle
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My condolences to Barry’s family.
I played trumpet with Barry in the 70s. I always enjoyed playing with him because he had some really good bands, and was a great arranger. Barry, you will be missed.
George Hovey
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Condolensces to the Welcome family. Hanging with Bar was the best of times. He went on to much bigger and better things with his love for music. Bar was an unforgettable friend in ones life.
Bonnie Welcome Burrows
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Words cannot explain how much I will miss our talks, our vacations together, our fun times, through many years.
You have always been the best brother. You loved my kids like they were your own, they loved their fun times with uncle Barry, You were the best son to Mom and Dad and the best example of what a brother should be to all of us. I will miss you every day. I hope you are happy with Dad at the Old Worthen in the sky, I am sure you will be entertaining them all. Thanks for always being there for me and mine. You have no idea how much that meant to me.
Remember I have always looked up to you.I will miss your talent, I could listen to you for hours and I was your biggest fan. I will miss the kid in you which brought out your fun side, body surfing at the beach, squirt gun fights at the lake, Mini golf.
Please watch over us big brother. I will do my best to fill your shoes with our family.Don’t worry I will continue to be close to Lou your angel. She is and will always be part of our family.We love her for being so good to you.
God Bless big brother. I will be playing Penny Lane and thinking of you.
Love forever,
Bonnie
Mal Bentley
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Bonnie …I am so sorry for your great loss, I know how close you two were and what he meant to you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I know that you will find solace looking back at all the great memories. Love, Mal
Richard Gauthier
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I first met Barry playing for the Lowell Junior High School band and Lowell High School band. He was a talented musician who touched many people in his lifetime. To all the Welcome family members my sincere and heartfelt condolences…..
Paul Belley
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Paul Belley Had to pleasure to perform with the Welcome Band during the 80’s. Barry was a very talented musician playing the Saxophone and Guitar. One of the few people that I saw wite out a chart while the 45 was playing…perfect pitch. The Welcome Band played all the big clubs back in the day and toured up and down the East Coast . Barry fought the good fight but cancer won. He and his talents will truley be missed. R.I. P.
Kenneth Riley
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Barry and Lou have been friends of mine over 45 years. I’m sadden to know Barry is no longer with us. He will be missed by me, and other friends who know him.
When I think of Barry, I also think of Lou – when I think of Lou, I also think of Barry.
Throughout life, they have been the type of partners, others could only hope for.
Jon Genier
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My deepest sympathies to Barry’s wife and family. May they find some comfort for their great loss in the promise found at Revelation 21:3-4.