Lester R. 'Rick' Welch, Jr.

WILLIAMSPORT - Lester R. “Rick” Welch, Jr., 59, died on Friday, February 21, 2014 at his residence with his family by his side. Rick was married on July 20, 2002 to the former Cassandra L. “Cassie” (Bilger) who survives, and would have celebrated 12 years of marriage this July. Rick was born on June 11, 1954 in Williamsport and was the son of Lester R. and Caroline (Shaffer) Welch, Sr. of Cogan Station. He was a graduate of Williamsport Area High School. He was a contractor by trade. He was a veteran of the US Air Force. He was a member of the VFW DuBoistown (Little Vets) and the Newberry Independent Club (Polish Club). He enjoyed construction, building game boards, the Eagles football team and NASCAR’s Rusty Wallace. In addition to his wife “Cassie” and parents, he is survived by three daughters; Brandy Centalonzo and husband Louis of Virginia, Angela Mitcheltree and husband Blair of Williamsport and Samantha Welch of Williamsport, one step-daughter; Diane Deitrick and husband Travis of Milton, six grandchildren; Ethan Buck, Alexa Deitrick, Louis Centalonzo, Jr., Sara Centalonzo, Paige Mitcheltree and Aiden Mitcheltree, one brother; Bob (Sue) Welch of Williamsport, two sisters; Becky (Glenn) Jordan of Mercersburg and Carol (Donnie) Beck of Cogan Station, mother and father-in-law; Carolann and Kenneth Bilger of Selinsgrove, sister-in-law; Debra Moss and husband Harry of Westminster, MD and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were two brothers; Kelly and Scott Welch and one infant sister; Cherie Welch. There will be a gathering of family and friends from 2 – 6 P.M. Saturday, March 1, 2014 at the Polish Club, 2009 Boyd Street, Williamsport, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Susquehanna Hospice, 1100 Grampian Blvd., Williamsport, PA 17701. Arrangements are being handled by the Allen & Redmond Funeral Home, 331 Elmira St., Williamsport.