Joseph Leo Welch, born on the 2nd of April, 1957, in New York. Joseph, known for his charismatic personality and infectious sense of humor, left an indelible mark on every person he met. His laughter was contagious, his spirit was enchanting, and his kindness was unrivaled. Despite his medical disability, Joseph lived a fulfilling life, touching many hearts and inspiring others with his resilience and zest for life.

Joseph is survived by his loving partner, Denise Francis, who stood by him through thick and thin, adding joy and warmth to his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, whose love and values laid the foundation for the exceptional man he became.

Friends and Family are cordially invited to attend a public visitation which will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM at the Southcoast Funeral Home, inside of the Ferreira Chapel, 1555 Pleasant Street, Fall River, Massachusetts, 02723. A funeral service will follow at the same venue at 11:00 AM presided over by Chaplain and Life Celebrant Ines Bates. Committal service with military honors will take place at Massachusetts National Cemetery.

As we bid farewell to Joseph, let us remember the words of Albert Einstein, "Our death is not an end if we can live on in our children and the younger generation. For they are us, our bodies are only wilted leaves on the tree of life." Joseph's legacy will live on in the hearts and memories of all those whose lives he touched. We invite you to share your fond memories and photos of Joseph on his memorial page, celebrating a life lived with courage, grace, and boundless love.

The funeral home offers a lighted parking lot which is available on the corner of Boutwell and Pleasant Street, (opposite corner of the funeral home) and our facility has a handicap-accessible ramp and entrance.

Services are humbly entrusted into the care of Southcoast Funeral Homes at Ferreira Chapel "Celebrating A Life Well Lived"