Edward Dale Welch, age 63, of Hartville, passed away Thursday March 5, 2009 after a brief illness. He was born February 3, 1946 in Steubenville, OH to the late Edward and Sarah Jane Welch and graduated from Steubenville Big Red High School and The University of Akron. He retired from the Keebler Cookie Co. where he served as the Distribution Manager. Always an active alumni of The University of Akron, upon retirement Ed became a volunteer for The Lake Relay for Life and AARP Tax Aide. He was a past member of the Hartville Jaycees and The Ohio Jaycee Senate. He loved sailing, camping, bicycling and playing golf. He is survived by his wife of 39 years Nita; children Kara (Brian) Mariotti of Fairlawn, Megan Strohfus of Copley and Edward Welch of Hartville; grandchildren Treson, Sullivan, and Pryor Mariotti, Tyler and Samantha Strohfus and Ian Welch; mother-in-law Eris Wisor; siblings Dotty Welch of Beverly, OH and Margie (Danny) Nobile of Steubenville; nieces Amber (Bill) Young and Sara (Nic) Hanle; aunt Dorothy Farmer and cousin Donna Farmer; and many long-time close family friends. Preceded in death by son Brandon Welch, father-in-law Walter Wisor and uncle Don Farmer. Friends may call one hour prior to services Monday 1-2 PM at the Arnold Funeral Home Hartville. The funeral service is Monday 2 PM at the funeral home. Final resting place is Mount Peace Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lake Relay for Life c/o American Cancer Society, 525 N. Broad St., Canfield, OH 44406 or to The University of Akron Foundation to support Athletic Programs, Akron, OH 44325-2603. Arnold 330-877-9364 www.arnoldfuneralhome.com