Howard Welch, former Utica councilman and Oneida County legislator, dies at 89

H. Rose Schneider, Observer-Dispatch
·1 min read

Former Utica Common Council member and Oneida County legislator Howard Welch died on Thanksgiving Day at the age of 89.

Welch, a Republican, spent time on the city council from 1974 until 2005 before serving for two years as an Oneida County legislator. He also served as Ward Chairman of the Republican Party for many years, according to his obituary.

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Howard C. Welch and City of Utica comptroller Joan Scalise discuss the Zogby International loan during the city's Finance Committee meeting at City Hall, Utica, Thursday, Aug. 12, 2004.
Howard C. Welch and City of Utica comptroller Joan Scalise discuss the Zogby International loan during the city's Finance Committee meeting at City Hall, Utica, Thursday, Aug. 12, 2004.

"Howard Welch had an undeniable love for and dedication to the City of Utica and faithfully represented it on the Common Council and County Legislature," Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. said in a statement. "He was also an indispensable member of the Republican Party who upheld our beliefs and dutifully served as ward chairman for many years."

Welch was born on Feb. 9, 1932, in Utica and graduated from Sauquoit High School, his obituary said. After working in the field of computer programming for about 22 years, he opened AA Welch's Bike and Ski Shop on Whitesboro Street in 1974.

"It worked out very well," he told the Observer-Dispatch in 2011, of his bike shop and political activity. "Constituents would come in to see me if they had problems or ideas of what we should be doing in the city."

Howard Welch owner of Welch's Bicycle & Ski Shop fixes a bike Tuesday Aug. 9, 2011 at the shop on Whitesboro Street in Utica.
Howard Welch owner of Welch's Bicycle & Ski Shop fixes a bike Tuesday Aug. 9, 2011 at the shop on Whitesboro Street in Utica.

Welch was most proud of his "Bikes for Kids" program, which provided bicycles to children, his obituary states.

"His love of Utica motivated him to work tirelessly for its citizens, whether you resided in his district or not," his obituary said.

H. Rose Schneider is the public safety reporter for the Observer-Dispatch. Email Rose at hschneider@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Howard Welch, former Utica councilman, county legislator, dies at 89