TILTON, N.H. — Mark C. Welch, 79, formerly of Center Ossipee, N.H., passed away on Monday, July 9, 2012, at the New Hampshire Veterans Home surrounded by his family.

He was born on Jan. 7, 1933 in Hiram, the son of the late Sidney and Elizabeth (Curtin) Welch. Mark had lived in Reeds Ferry, N.H. for several years and had later moved to Sandown, N.H., Lawrence and Methuen, Mass. He had lived in Center Ossipee from 1984 to 2001 before moving to the New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton.

Mark was schooled by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart in Sharon, Mass., St. Ignatius in Sanford, and at Fryeburg Academy. While in his junior year, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving four years during the Korean Conflict where he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and United Nations Service Medal. Following service to his country, Mark worked for Clevite Corp. in Waltham, Mass., and ITT Semiconductor in Lawrence, Mass. as a technician for 28 years.

He is survived by his children, Lawrence Welch of Danville, N.H., Joel Welch of Derry, N.H., Robert Welch and Heidi Welch of Sandown, N.H., and Kerry Welch of the Philippines; five grandchildren; a brother, Denis Welch of Kezar Falls, a sister, Mary Peters, of Rochester, N.H.; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be on Thursday from 6–8 p.m. at Lord Funeral Home, 50 Moultonville Rd., Center Ossipee, N.H. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 13, 2012, at 11 a.m., at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Center, Moultonville Road, Center Ossipee, N.H. Burial will be in the Welch Family Cemetery, Center Ossipee, N.H.

Donations in his memory may be made to the New Hampshire Veterans Home, Tilton, N.H.