Photo Credit: Anne M. Eberhardt / Blood-Horse Publications
William H. “Bill” Welch, 72, retired Executive Director of the New York Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund, died Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at his residence on Mt. Morris Rd. in Geneseo, New York.
Born to Mark and Mary Gallagher Welch on May 25, 1940 in Rochester, NY, Bill Welch was a Livingston County Deputy Sherriff and Geneseo Volunteer Firemen in the 1960’s. Instrumental in promoting the original Thoroughbred Fund legislation while working for the Breeders Service Bureau of the State Racing Commission, Welch retired as Executive Director (formerly called “Executive Administrator”) of the New York State Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund.
Welch, who was an avid Fox Hunter with the Genesee Valley Hunt Club and a member of St. Mary’s Church in Geneseo, is survived by his, partner, Peter Mendiola, sisters, Martha (Eric) Myer of Boyce, VA, Sheila Chanler of Geneseo, many nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends and his canine companion, Bruno.
A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 11 AM at St. Mary’s Church, 4 Avon Rd. in Geneseo. There are no prior calling hours and in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Geneseo Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 428, Geneseo, NY 14454 or the Teresa House, 21 Highland Rd., Geneseo, NY 14454.
A full obituary will follow in the June edition of the New York Breeder.
So sorry many decades… many Geneseo memories and Hunt Ball at the Big Tree so happy to see Billy found a great partner
we in 1967 and beyond had a fabulous time…bless you