David Richard Welty

Sonoma- David R Welty, loving father of Melanie Valesi, Sarah Welty and Jason Welty passed away peacefully on October 19, 2014 with his family at his bedside.

David was born February 18, 1943 in Monterey Park, California, Son of Winston and Mary Helen Welty who preceded him in death. He attended Covina High School and Lettered in Varsity Baseball, Football and Track & Field. David, also known by friends as “The Duke”, spent a brief period of time with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. Following his time with Major League Baseball he proudly served with the US Navy for four years and participated in operations during the Cuban Missile Crisis, as well as time in the South Pacific.

After an honorable discharge David joined the California Highway Patrol and served 15 years as a CHP officer in both Marin and Sonoma County. During this time he enthusiastically returned to his love of baseball and spent many years proudly representing the CHP on the baseball diamond. His athletic abilities earned the department many league championships. After retiring from the CHP, David and his former wife Beth Samuelwicz owned and operated “Little Rascals” pet store in Sonoma, CA for over ten years. He remained active in local sports, and coached football at Montgomery High School with long-time friend Coach Jason Franci.

Retirement did not sit well with Dad and he spent his Golden years working at The Oakmont Golf Course. When he wasn’t knocking around golf balls and teaching his son Jake the nuances of the game on the back nine, he could be found in his kitchen with daughter Sarah experimenting with a new recipe or whipping up a batch of his signature chili and corn bread. Melanie inherited his love of baseball and they enjoyed watching rival games together. Her love of the Giants and his of the Dodgers made for fun baseball banter and bets.

In addition to his children he is survived by his brother Dan Welty and his wife Nancy; sisters Janice Hollingshed and her husband John; and Diane Cox and her husband WB. As well as friends Lonnie Felder, Melanie’s mother, Rolf Samuelwicz current husband of Beth, and Sarah’s long boyfriend Oscar Padilla

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Sonoma Valley Fire and Rescue, The Emergency Department at Sonoma Valley Hospital, Hospice of Sonoma, Petaluma and Santa Rosa Infusion Centers, the volunteers at F.I.S.H, The VFW – Post 1929, The CHP of Sonoma and Marin Counties, Sonoma United Methodist Church, Forrest and Carole Campbell, Michelle Pierre and Jason Franci, Dan and Nancy Welty and numerous friends and family who have reached out offering love and support.

Friends are invited to attend a celebration of his life on Saturday November 8th at 1:00 p.m. at the Petaluma Veterans Memorial Hall. 1094 Petaluma Blvd South, Petaluma CA, 94952. David’s final resting place will be at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the following organizations: Lung Cancer Research-American Cancer Society at the following link- http://www.gofundme.com/rip-david-welty, or F.I.S.H-Friends in Sonoma Helping, or Hospice of Sonoma.