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US Marine Corps | Former LEO | Former Fire Chief
Danny Mack Welch of Monroe, CT passed away on December 6th. Danny Mack was born on February 25, 1949, in Wills Point, Texas to Cede and Verna.
From an early age, he lived a life full of grit and adventure. As a boy, he caught catfish with his bare hands, went alligator hunting, and played tag by outrunning snakes. At fourteen, he became a working cowboy—the real kind, long before cowboy hats were fashion statements. By seventeen, he traded the ranch for the United States Marine Corps, to serve his country in Vietnam.
He served with the elite First Force Recon unit during the Vietnam War, earning three Purple Hearts and numerous other medals and commendations. His service was not simply a chapter of his life; it was at the core of who he was. The Marine motto Semper Fidelis guided him always. He held fellow veterans close to his heart and spent much of his life supporting veteran organizations and efforts that provided equipment, including bulletproof vests, for police K-9 officers.
Though he spent his adult years in the Northeast, he never lost his rugged Texas spirit. He had a good sense of humor, a soft heart beneath a tough exterior, and a loyalty that ran deep. He loved a rare steak, a good story, and sharing his favorite foods: fried chicken wings, frog legs, ribs, and his unforgettable BBQ sauce.
He also had a well-known love affair with his trucks. It became a family joke that he’d buy a new one whenever the old one needed tires, even as he swore each time it was “the last truck I’m ever buying.”
Above all, he loved his family fiercely. He is survived by his wife, Robin; his siblings: Geneva, Charles, and Judy; his two sons, Norman Welch (Deborah) and Matthew Welch (Paulette); his three stepchildren, Gregg Kosloff (Trisha), Ellen Kocher (Timothy), and Sara (John); many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense pride and joy.
Danny lived boldly, loved deeply, and never stopped fighting for what he believed in. His legacy is one of generosity, humor, and unwavering loyalty. He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered. He asked that if you want to do something in his name, buy a lottery ticket and give your winnings to your favorite charity.
