Robert “Bob” Charles Welter, 71, of Galveston, passed away Monday, May 10, 2021.  He was born July 17, 1949, in Rochester, New York.  He attended St. Boniface Grammar School before going to Monroe High School followed by the University of NY at Plattsburgh where he majored in business and economics, and then gained his MBA at the University of NY at Albany. The plethora of job opportunities in Houston brought him to Texas in the early seventies where he began working for Koomey and then later for Handy Dan Home Improvement Center, a division of W R Grace. With passion for history and Victorian architecture, he and his wife were lured to Galveston in 1984 to start their life together. He has been a devoted member of St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica Parish (now Holy Family Parish) since moving to Galveston, volunteering his talents over the years in the roles of lector, Eucharistic minister, handyman and most recently, usher for the collection basket. Being skillful in carpentry, Bob built a stable for the nativity scene and a confessional and ramp to the right of the altar. He was a member of the Serra Club of Galveston which is dedicated to promoting and fostering faith-based vocations. An avid collector of R.S. Prussia antique fine china and member of the R.S. Prussia International Club since 1998, he enjoyed the thrill of the hunt and the many friendships that ensued. His gregarious personality was put to good use in many aspects of his life including ticket sales for the 50/50 Raffle of the R.S. Prussia Club at its annual convention – “Tickets! Tickets!” He was a voracious reader including books (science fiction and historical biographies with particular interest in Lincoln and Truman), printed newspapers, magazines and non-super-hero comic books. He loved interacting with people, laughing and smiling and sharing his repertoire of corny jokes with a new audience everywhere he went. His laugh was infectious and his spirit touched many in his endeavors. He was a prayerful, loving, caring and generous person who was always ready to pitch in where he could. Many will remember his bushy handle-bar moustache and his classic attire of an Hawaiian shirt with black slacks and tried and true penny loafers.

Blessed with a loving family, Bob is preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Ruth, and his four sisters, Diane Privitera (husband Sam), Paula Carey (husband Fred), Karen Burlingame (husband Jim), and Marcia Dieter.

Bob is survived by his wife of 37 years, Christine M. Welter (nee Helffrich); and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and great great niece and nephews to carry on the family legacy** and his godson G. Christian Arkangel Helffrich.

The family will receive visitors beginning at 5:00 pm, Thursday, May 20, at St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica.  A rosary will begin at 6:30 pm, led by Deacon John Pistone.

Funeral Mass will be Held in Texas on Friday, May 21, at St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica.

Bob will be interred in at 2:00pm Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Rochester, NY on Wednesday, May 26 where there will be a graveside service for family and friends officiated by Father Richard Brickler, a long-time friend of the family.  You can view a recording of the service below.

Memorials may be made in Bob’s name to
St Mary’s Cathedral Basilica Restoration Fund
Click HERE to Donate
(attn.: Holy Family Parish, Galveston-Bolivar)

or to the

Galveston Historical Foundation
Click HERE to Donate

**
Chris Privitera
Karen Privitera Darrow
Sam Darrow
Jackie Darrow
Laurie Privitera Burns (Don)
Elaina Burns (Derek)
Artie Powers
Charlie Powers
Ryan Burns (Crystal)
Skylar Burns
Baby Burns (eta November 2021)
Michael Burlingame (Chris)
Rose Burlingame-Smith
Kara Burlingame Tartaglia (David)
Jason Tartaglia
Tyler Tartaglia
Micha Tartaglia
Bonnie Dieter Hawkins (Troy Sr.)
Troy Hawkins Jr.
Taylor Hawkins
Adam Dieter
Droz Dieter
Jayden Dieter