Howard J. Welsted

Howard J. Welsted, of Attica, formerly of Florida and Depew, peacefully entered his eternal rest Friday June 26, 2015. Howard is predeceased by his parents Fred and Louise, and sister Gertrude.

Howard lived a full life. He loved baseball and he loved his time at the Erie County Fair, a tremendous enjoyment since the years of the Great Depression. Howard worked many years as a truck driver, and spent many years as a volunteer with the Depew Fire Department. His life though was forever marked when as an 18 year old member of the Marine 3rd Division he landed on the island of Iwo Jima; his division suffered nearly 6,000 casualties. Howard was a quiet man but in his eyes we saw life’s adventures. In his eyes we saw the love for his children, and in his eyes we saw the flag atop Suribachi. His wish for all of us is to be ‘Always Faithful.’

Surviving are brother Gerald (Annetta) of Lakeview; sister Sally (Don) of East Aurora; children Becky of Florida, Jimmy of Maryland, Kirk (Dorene) of Conesus, Kim (Don) Debnar of Tonawanda, Kendra (Rob) Thompson of Attica, Kristine (David) Dioguardi of Bethany; 15 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews

A 10:00 AM gathering of remembrance will take place on Wednesday July 8, 2015 at St. Vincent’s School on Walnut Street Attica, New York 14011. Interment will follow in North Evans Cemetery, North Evans.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the family or to the Patriot Guard Riders of New York PO Box 107 Williamson, New York 14589. For more information please call 585-591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.