The family of Joseph Welch

In 2016, Joe was diagnosed with esophageal cancer at age 35 when his daughter was 2 months old. After many rounds of chemo and radiation, he had surgery to remove half of his stomach and half his esophagus, one of the toughest surgeries anyone can have.

A month was spent recovering away from family and his small child. His wife remained by his side. There were complications, but Joe was able to overcome and finally well enough to leave. Unable to eat and on a feeding tube, he returned to work full time after 12 weeks of recovery and 50 lbs lighter. Eating was difficult, the acid reflux sometimes unbearable. He was happy to be alive.

He and his wife purchased a home. They made life as normal as possible and even welcomed a second baby girl in 2020. In the Spring of 2022, Joe experienced a very hoarse voice and had difficulty swallowing. After many endoscopies, a new tumor was found with matastisis to his spine. Within a short period of time, he was unable to eat or even swallow water. By July, he was unable to work and again on chemo.

Unfortunately, that was all that could be done. His weight had dropped to 115 and again a feeding tube was the only option for nourishment. Joe has endured so much pain and discomfort over the last 8 months including two bouts of aspiration pneumonia.

Everything was taken from him. No food, no water. All the enjoyment of spending time with his girls or interacting with family, gone.

Most recently, Joe was taken to the hospital by ambulance . He apologized to everyone that he could not continue.

Now you may rest in peace dear Joe.

Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 4-8pm at Horn & Thomas Funeral Home 83 East Main Street Pawling, NY. A private funeral mass for the immediate family will be held on Wednesday, March 22nd. These donations will be used as an education fund for Joe’s two daughters, Lilliana and Mila.