Thomas Welsh

June 12, 1948 - April 15, 2020

The mystery, magic and adventures of Thomas Samuel Welsh, our older brother was something we will never forget. He passed away on tax day, April 15 2020. He was born on June 12 1948 to Larry and Grace Welsh in Wilkinsburg, PA. Tommy, as he was called by those close to him, was survived by me….John, Paul, and Joe Welsh. He never got to know his nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews due to a debilitating illness called schizophrenia. He was also completely blind by the age of 30. When young, he had curly black hair, the brightest smile and an easy hearty laugh. He was by far the strongest and most athletic of all his siblings. Tommy followed a different drummer than the rest of us. Probably because he had a truly free and good spirit. Personally, I think he was too smart and too good for his own good. The only thing I knew he might have been afraid of was not knowing. He was generous to the point of self-sacrifice. Seemingly unaware to him, Tommy was taken advantage of by many because of his love of people. Sadly, too many took advantage of his good nature. He lost faith in mankind and sank into mental illness. This started in his early twenties and plagued him throughout his life. I visited with him after he was permanently hospitalized. Only one visit of four would he be lucid and responsive. Then we would reminisce. Sometimes truth and sometimes just fun. His favorite pie as a kid was cherry. This was our birthday treat growing up. Mom would bake our favorite pie or cake or meal for our birthday. So, for years afterward, I would, on June 12th, bring him cherry pie. One year he told me I was wrong. His birthday was July 12th. I tried to argue with him but he won by saying: "I got my calendar and you got yours". I finally laughed with him and realized it was his way of trying to get me to visit him again the next month. Reality was just an inconvenience for him. After decades of schizophrenia and blindness we are in prayer hoping to see Tommy, whole, in Heaven with all who have gone on before him. We were taught and believe in the Christ who died for all and the gift of salvation and resurrection as told in scriptures. Thank you Tommy for sharing your "sense-world-perception" with us. Until the day I see you again, I hope you are enjoying eternity with God and the rest of our family. You, I believe, deserve it. With utmost respect, John Welsh