Obituary of Reinhard F. Welker

Voorheesville - Reinhard “Ron” F. Welker, 76, died peacefully at Our Lady of Mercy, on September 10, 2023. Born in Mount Vernon, NY, but raised in Massena, NY. He was the son of the late Reinhard and Helen (Farrell) Welker. 

While attending Junior College of Albany, Ron met a lovely young nursing student at Albany Medical Center who later became his wife of 51 years. Ron was drafted into the US Army, proudly serving two years with one year in the Vietnam War. After service, he came back and completed his degree at the College at Russell Sage in Albany, NY. Upon graduating college, Ron went to work for McFarland Construction as an Accountant during the construction of the Empire State Plaza. From there, Ron went to work for the NYS Dormitory Authority retiring after more than 30 years as a Senior Contract Administrator. 

Ron found true enjoyment when spending time with his grandsons, traveling to his favorite places including Siesta Key, FL and Cape Cod, MA, and golfing with friends. While traveling, Ron and his wife got to enjoy such places as Ireland, Italy, and many parts of the US during retirement. He was also a lifelong fan of the NY Yankees, NY Giants, and Notre Dame.

Throughout his life, Ron was involved in many organizations, including the Kiwanis baseball, Voorheesville Fire Dept, and Voorheesville American Legion. 

Ron is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Donna (Gorman) Welker, his loving daughter, Amy (Matt) Flannery, his two grandchildren, Brayden Flannery, Connor Flannery of Massapequa, NY, his sister Ellen Gordinier of Bostic, NC, and several nieces and nephews. Ron was predeceased by his son Michael in 1996.

Ron’s funeral mass will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, September 16, 2023 at St. Matthew’s Church, 25 Mountainview St., Voorheesville.  Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Glenmont.  Relatives and friends are invited and may also call at the Reilly & Son Funeral Home, Voorheesville Friday from 4 - 7 p.m.

For those who wish, a memorial donation may be made to the Albany VA Medical Center, Att: Voluntary Services, 113 Holland Ave., Albany, NY 12208 (checks should be made payable to: Albany VA Medical Center and memo should say: Personal Comfort.  These funds will go to the needs of Vets in the hospital) or a donation may be made to a charity of one’s choice.