In Memoriam
Gerry Miner Welch
1947-2026
(Photo provided)
COOPERSTOWN—Gerry Miner Welch, 78, of Cooperstown, New York, passed away peacefully at his home on January 12, 2026 surrounded by loved ones.
Born on December 26, 1947 in Cooperstown, Gerry was the son of Mildred Miner Welch and Alva Curtis Welch, both well known for their contributions to the community. He was raised in Cooperstown and remained a lifelong resident.
Gerry worked for many years at The Otesaga Resort Hotel before owning and operating Time Out boat rentals. He also opened his home to summer visitors, generously welcoming others to enjoy Otsego Lake and the town he was so proud of. Known for his creativity and his easy ability to connect with people, Gerry was a natural storyteller with an inventive mind. He was always imagining, building or dreaming up what might come next.
Much of Gerry’s time was spent on the lake and aboard his houseboat, where he created lasting memories with family and friends. He enjoyed traveling and embraced life with curiosity and appreciation.
Gerry is survived by many family members and friends who will remember him with love and carry his memory forward.
In accordance with his wishes, his ashes will be divided between Lakewood Cemetery and Otsego Lake.
A reception and celebration of life will be held at the Cooperstown Veterans Club on Saturday, February 28 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A special thanks to the Tillapaugh Funeral Home and Helios for their supportive guidance.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Cooperstown Fire Department, PO Box 1, Cooperstown, New York.
I’ve known Gary for at least 20 years and loved his idiosyncrasies and his generosity of spirit
My sincere condolences to his family! I was blessed to know him! He will be remembered with fondness and friendship! Thank you Gerry for sharing your poetry with me!
Frankly, Gerry and I had a few run-ins. But in the end, we reconciled our differences and became fast friends. All the best of him lives on in his truly marvelous daughter ❤️
Sad to hear of Gerry’s passing. He was a client and friend for many years and always seemed to embrace life to its fullest. Another one of Cooperstown’s old guard is gone and he will be missed. RIP Gerry. Our condolences to his family and friends.
To the Welch family,
Gerry was a life long friend from my early years on Nelson avenue, I spent time at the Welch home along with many other Cooperstown kids. It was a gathering place. Gerry had a fascinating sense of humor and it was never a dull moment when he was around. He was definitely a ‘Cooperstown character’ that will not be forgotten. My heart goes out to his family. RIP, Gerry
Sincerely,
Shade
Great guy and I will miss seeing him on the lake. They always said if he had a Welch in your class in high school you had a great class. I graduated with Pam and we did have a great class. RIP my friend.Wad
So so truly sorry to hear this.I have known him since I was 16 .Such a great person.So sorry for the family’s loss
Gerry was truly one of my favorite people. A true cooperstown fixture. He will be truly missed
Gerry was a unique, swell guy. Our lives are better for having known him for decades. An inventor, dreamer, hardworking quirky hopeful unique spirit, Gerry made us scratch our heads, and laugh and think and appreciate his earnest perspective. We’re out of towner Coop-o-philes (a silly phrase that would have made him laugh and invent some thoughtful, hopeful fantasy thing in response).
Rest in power, G. I’ll kayacht in your honor always.
Terry and Chris Burns
Bye Gerry. Sweet dreams.
Sorry to learn of Gerry’s passing. His houseboat and the lake house were two of my favorite stops for many yrs., sailing on the lake . Always welcoming, generous and entertaining.