William Welser Jr. - U.S. Navy 1942-48/50-51
William Welser Jr. - U.S. Navy 1942-48/50-51
William Welser, Jr. joined the Navy in in 1942 and left in 1948. He then joined the Reserves and was recalled in 1950 for the Korean War. During World War II he served as a Gunner on a torpedo plane in the Pacific. He fought in the Battle of Okinawa and his ship, the Natoma Bay, was was hit by the last kamikaze attack on a USN carrier in the war.
This video was produced by The Rowlinson Media Group, VERO BEACH, FL.
1924-2021
William Welser, Jr., 96, of Milford, DE, and Melbourne, FL, passed away 9 October 2021.
Born 25 November 1924 in Columbus, Ohio, he was the middle child of five with four sisters.
A graduate of East High School, Columbus, OH, and the State University of New York, Oswego, NY, he was an Industrial Arts Master Teacher in Greenville, NY, and Baldwinsville, NY, as well as an Adjunct Professor of Vocational/Technical Education for SUNY. There are many over the years who have reflected on how he positively influenced their lives.
A decorated US Navy Aviation Machinist Mate 1st Class, he saw combat action in the Pacific Theater during WWII as a TBM Avenger turret gunner. Later, he served in a training unit in Memphis, TN, preparing aircrew members during the Korean War.
In 1947 introduced by their sisters while he was on leave, Bill met the love of his life Jane, a bookkeeper for McGraw Hill Publishing in New York. They were married in 1948 at St Hedwig’s Catholic Church, Floral Park, NY.
In 1983, they retired to Brooksville, FL, followed by a move to Milford, DE, in 2004. They enjoyed traveling, visiting their ever-growing family, and spending summers at Trout Lake, Edwards, NY. Late in her life, Bill provided loving care for Jane as Alzheimer’s took its toll 10 years before her passing. Since 2010, they spent much of their time in Melbourne, FL, with Family to provide the needed care.
Preceded in death by his parents William, Sr. and Sarah (Geiger) Welser and four siblings as well as his wife Jane (Tworkowski) Welser after 67 years of marriage in March 2016. Bill is survived by three sons: William III (Susan) of Dover, DE; Thomas (Marie) of Bernhards Bay, NY; and James (Cynthia) of Kona, HI; and a daughter Pamela (Greg/passed Apr 2016) of Mt Pleasant, SC. Known as “GG”, he had 13 Grand Children, 21 Great-grandchildren with 2 on the way, and 1 Great-Great-Grandchild – he loved them all dearly!
Bill was a life member of the VFW, The American Legion, and the National Education Association (NEA). He was also a proud member of the NY State Retired Teachers Association, SUNY Oswego Alumni Association, and the National Woodcarvers Association.
Contributions may be made to the William Welser, Jr. Scholarship Fund, 124 Meadow Glen Drive, Dover, DE 19901. Funds will support students pursuing Technology careers and graduating from Baker High School, Baldwinsville, NY.
