Michael Welsh 1970-2025

Kurt, as he was affectionately known by all those who knew him, was born June 30, 1970, in Youngstown, the third son of T. Gordon Welsh and Joan Langley Welsh.

He was a lifelong area resident, attending Robinwood Lane Elementary and Glenwood Middle School. He was a proud Boardman Spartan, graduating in 1988.

Kurt graduated from YSU with a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice and went on to earn master’s degrees in criminal justice and health and human services. He also earned credit hours toward a Ph.D.

He started his career at Community Corrections Association, working his way up to serving as a probation officer under the direction of Dr. Richard Billak. From there, Kurt assisted the Honorable John M. Durkin in creating the Mahoning County Common Pleas Drug Court Program and Mahoning County TASC, helping people rehabilitate and recover from alcohol and drug addiction-related charges. He was dedicated to helping others regain and rebuild their lives.

Kurt often said his favorite job was working for many years as a waiter at the Boulevard Tavern in Youngstown. It was at the Boulevard that Kurt forged many friendships and created many fond memories. He was forever grateful to Nick Petrella and his family for the opportunity and time that he had there. Kurt cherished those memories and will hold them in his heart forever.

On Saturdays, Kurt enjoyed watching the Buckeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish play, and on Sundays, he would cheer on the Browns.

He had a longtime passion for music, especially attending live concerts. Kurt greatly enjoyed traveling around the East Coast and Midwest with his childhood friends, attending many Grateful Dead shows.

Kurt himself had an excellent singing voice and, from a young age, sang in the school choir and band. He performed at weddings and could also be spotted on stage years ago singing with local bands in town and Columbus.

Kurt was a fiercely loyal and loving person to the people who meant the most to him. That loyalty and love will be deeply missed and always remembered by his brothers, Paul Welsh of Boardman and Magistrate Timothy Welsh (Attorney Kathi McNabb-Welsh), also of Boardman; his nephew, Tim Welsh (Anna) of Dayton; his aunt, Carol Langley Crawford of Canfield, and godmother, Isabel Borowski of Denver; and his longtime dear friend and companion, Lisa Antonini of Youngstown. Kurt also leaves behind his many cousins, as well as his closest friends, Chris Huda of Columbus and Nick Palazzo of Struthers, who were like brothers to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Joan Welsh; his grandparents; and his uncle, William Crawford.

Kurt’s family has entrusted his care to the Fox Funeral Home.

A Mass of Christian Burial took place Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, at St. Patrick Church in Youngstown, with family friend Father Edward Noga officiating.

He was laid to rest next to his parents in Calvary Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the dedicated staff of St. Elizabeth CVICU for the compassionate care given to Kurt and his family, as well as Hospice House.

Monetary donations may be made to St. Patrick Church, 1420 Oak Hill Ave., Youngstown, in Kurt’s name.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Edward J. Fox & Sons Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman. Family and friends may visit www.foxfuneralhome.org to view this obituary and to give condolences to the Welsh family.

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