Thomas William Welch

WELCH, Thomas W. Suddenly, in Dorchester, May 31st, age 59 years.
Beloved husband for 40 years of Robin (Stevens) Welch.
Loving father of Thomas W. Jr. and his wife Suesan Welch of North Attleboro, Christina M. Welch, Audra J. Welch and her companion Rocky Caban, and Charles R. Welch, all of Dorchester.
Devoted grandfather of Hailey A. Caban and Joshua T. Welch.
Survived by many brothers, sisters, nephews, and nieces.
Visiting hours in the Murphy Funeral Home, 1020 Dorchester Ave., DORCHESTER, Wednesday 4-8 P.M.
Interment private.
Tom was hired with the City of Boston's Homeless Services Bureau as a Facilities Assistant Coordinator on Feb. 13, 1995 and was promoted to Facilities Coordinator on March 1, 1999. Under his guidance and leadership, the Facilities Department played a critical role in the expansion of the City of Boston's Emergency Homeless Shelters, which provide services to the city's most vulnerable population. Tom also provided significant oversight to the development and rehabilitation of facilities such as the Wyman Re-Entry Center, the Transitions Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program, and the Weintraub Day Center.

Throughout his career with Homeless Services, Tom took numerous courses at Quincy Public Schools Adult and Continuing Education and the Wentworth Institute of Technology to further his technical expertise. Tom played an integral part in the development of the Facilities Department's Client Worker Training Program where he imparted his wealth of knowledge to program participants.
Above all, Tom had a unique way of connecting with the client workers which allowed for a positive mentoring learning environment. His compassion and patience, combined with his ability to create a culture of support, hard work, and responsibility, enabled numerous client workers to successfully graduate the program and move past homelessness.
Tom was a true asset to the Boston Public Health Commission and Homeless Services Bureau. Those who knew Tom knew him as a true gentleman who only saw the good in people. He was genuinely passionate about his work with clients and had a way of connecting with them where he earned nothing but their respect. He will truly be missed by his co-workers, the clients he served, and anyone who had the privilege and honor of knowing him.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom's memory may be made to the Long Island Shelter, 1010 Mass. Ave., Boston, MA 02218.