BIDDEFORD — Richard E. Welch, 65, of Biddeford, passed away on Saturday, July 26, 2014 at Southern Maine Health Care in Biddeford.

Richard was born on July 29, 1948 in Augusta. He was one of 16 children of Frank and Anna (Heath) Welch.

He was educated in the Augusta school system.

Following school, he joined the United States Army, serving from 1968-70.

Richard was employed as a machine operator at WestPoint Stevens until his retirement in 2009.

He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and he will be truly missed by his family and friends.

Richard is survived by: his wife, Wendy L. (Rowe) Welch of Biddeford; his sons, Richard E. Welch Jr. of Mechanicsville, New York and Roland R. Welch and his wife Elizabeth of Biddeford; his stepson, David L. Kelly of Biddeford; and his only daughter, Crystal L. Welch and her fiancé Cory Hussey, also of Biddeford.

Mr. Welch is also survived by: several brothers and sisters; six grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends are asked to visit with Richard’s family on Tuesday from 9:30-11 a.m. at Cote Funeral Home, 87 James St. in Saco. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. in the funeral home, Rev. Merle Steva officiating, burial will follow in Goodwin’s Mills Cemetery. Arrangements are by Cote Funeral Home, Saco. To send a condolence to the family or to sign the online guestbook, visit www.cotefuneralhome.com.