David L. Welch Jr. Was Member of Police Force

David L. Welch Jr.of Vineyard Haven died on Dec. 28 at Rhode Island Hospital. David was born Jan. 25, 1952. He was a graduate of Martha's Vineyard Regional High School class of 1970. He also graduated from Burdette Business School in 1972.

David returned to Martha's Vineyard and became interested in law enforcement. He put himself through the police academy and upon graduation he went to work for 11 years for the West Tisbury Police Department under the late chief George Manter. For the past six years David worked at H.N. Hinckley & Sons Ace Hardware in Vineyard Haven.

David is survived by his parents David L. and Beatrice (Ward) Welch Sr. of Vineyard Haven; his three sisters; Beatrice D'Angelo, Kathy Welch and Diane Gibson. He will be greatly missed by his many family and friends who loved him dearly.

Visiting hours were held in the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home on Thursday, Dec. 30. A funeral home service and a Masonic service took place with the Rev. Roger Spinney and the brothers of the Oriental Martha' s Vineyard Masonic Lodge officiating. Graveside services were held on Friday, Dec. 31 at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Vineyard Haven. Memorial donations may be made to the Shriner's Burns Institute, 51 Blossom street, Boston, MA 02114 or to the charity of one's choice.