The Honorable Robert A. Welsh Jr. (ret.), of Dennis, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2025, after a long battle with cancer.

The son of the late Robert and Alma (Danforth) Welsh, Bob graduated from Provincetown High School in 1955 and from Holy Cross College in 1959. After graduating from Boston College Law School in 1962, he married the love of his life, Natalie. They would have been married 63 years in September.

After his marriage, Bob entered the United States Army graduating from the Army Armor School. He attained the rank of Captain, serving as a Judge Advocate General until 1966.

After serving in the Army, Bob returned to the Cape to practice law. He served as Town Counsel for the Barnstable County towns of Provincetown, Dennis and Mashpee.

He was the First Executive Director of Legal Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, Inc., which provides representation for people unable to afford an attorney. He, along with Richard Staff, formed the law firm of Staff and Welsh, which served the community for many years and gave rise to a life-long friendship. Having a sister with Down’s Syndrome, Bob was a founding member of Nauset Workshop, now known as Cape Abilities.

In 1973, Bob was appointed First Justice of the Orleans District Court. He presided at the Orleans District Court for 35 years until he retired in 2008. He was regarded by the lawyers, and members of the public that appeared before him, as a fair Judge with excellent knowledge of the law, but also a Judge with a good sense of humor. Most of all, he was known for his kindness and compassion, treating all people who appeared before him with dignity and respect. Bob was a spiritual man who was dedicated to his faith. He served his Church as a Eucharistic Minister and Lector for 37 years.

While Bob was a dedicated public servant, his greatest love was his family. It was his great joy to spend time with his wife Natalie and to see his children and grandchildren flourishing in their own lives. With his calm, gentle demeanor, Bob guided his children and grandchildren to be their best selves. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 62 years, Natalie (Lawler), his daughter, Anastasia Welsh Perrino (spouse, Thomas), son Robert A. Welsh, III (spouse, Lynne), and son James D. Welsh ( significant other, Shannon), along with four grandchildren, Andrew Perrino (spouse, Stephanie); Matthew Perrino (fiancée, Madison); Robert A. Welsh IV (fiancée, Julia) and Ryan Welsh (significant other, Alyssa) and two step-grandchildren, Danielle Devine (spouse, Anna) and Alexandra Devine. Bob is also survived by his sisters Mary and Alma Welsh. He was predeceased by his brothers Walter and Charles Welsh and his sister Ann Claire Welsh.

The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to Bob’s nurses, Barbara, Pam, Nancy and Stephanie for their loving care of Bob, as well as the to the countless doctors, nurses and staff at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Cape Cod Hospital, and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospitals in Cambridge and Sandwich for their wonderful care of Bob.

Services were private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston and directed to Head and Neck Cancer Research or to the Jimmy Fund.

Rob, Robbie and Ryan, So sorry to hear of your wonderful dad/grandfather’s passing. Take care of yourselves. Miss you all. Steve, Karen, Jess & Max

Dear Welsh family. I fondly remember my first appearance at the Orleans District Court many years ago. A relatively new lawyer about to have my third trial and being quite nervous. Good morning Mr. Andrade Judge Welsh said from the bench and introduced himself to me. Then he asked me to introduce myself to him noting that he'd never seen or met me before. I introduced myself and told him this was my third trial and I was a little nervous. The kind gentleman he was went out of his way to try and make me feel comfortable. It was a quality I would see again in the future whenever I appeared in his court. I don't think I ever won a case before him but he always told my clients what a fine job I'd done. When I later got appointed as Clerk-Magistrate for the Barnstable County Juvenile Court, he warmly greeted me and offered his help whenever I needed it. He was a remarkable man and I was very sorry to read about his death.

The Judge was the best of the best. It was always a pleasure to see him dispensing justice in a fair and compassionate manner. My condolences to the Welsh Family.

Natalie, Anastasia, Rob, and James, My first dealings with the Welch family was clerking for Judge Robert Welch Sr. back in the 60's. A very thoughtful, considerate, caring, extremely affable jurist whom I greatly admired. When I first met Bob Jr. back in the 70's I was struck by how much he took after his Dad. Always a kind word and thought for everyone. He listened. He cared. Ethical to a fault! He was a dear friend and set the bar for the rest of us who practiced with him, and during his years on the bench, before him. God Bless all of you in this time of sadness! There can be no doubt that Bob is "Up There" and will be looking out for all of you and your family. Larry Murphy

My heart is broken for our loss but his spirit will never leave sending love and prayers to all of you he loved us all.

When I think of Bob, two song titles come to mind..... You're Simply The Best by Tina Turner.....and Nobody does ( did) it Better by Carly Simon. He was an inspiration to so many of us younger judges. He also set the gold standard for how a court should provide justice to its community. We were all blessed to have him as our colleague, friend, and mentor. My deepest sympathy to all of his family for the loss of such a wonderful man. May he finally Rest In Peace in the embrace of our Lord. Don Carpenter ( retired judge)

We are thinking of all of you at this time. He was an amazing man. Natalie, it was so good to chat with you at CVS about a month ago. Just know how much good he did for his family and the community

Judge Welsh was one of the first people I met when coming to Cape Abilities. He was a strong advocate for individuals with disabilities and was one of the finest individuals I’ve know. Caring and compassionate only scratch the surface of the many fine attributes to describe this wonderful gentleman who contributed so much to improving the lives of countless individuals on Cape Cod.My sympathies to his entire family. May he rest in peace. Larry Thayer

To the Welsh family, you have my Deepest Sympathies and prayers of comfort for the passing of Bob. May all the fond memories fill the void in your hearts.

Dear Anastasia & Family, Deepest sympathies at the loss of your Dad. What a wonderful and accomplished man he was. His legacy lives on in his family. May you be comforted by the many thoughts, wishes and prayers coming your way. God bless you and your family.

Remember you in our prayers and candle lit for you and your family

Dear Welsh Family, I was sorry to hear of Judge Welsh’s passing. He was a fair, good judge. In the clerk’s office between sessions or recess, he would always strike up a conversation. Great human being. Rob, I’m sorry for your loss. Fathers are special people.!! Great memories!! Deepest sympathy

Mrs Welsh, Anastasia, Rob, James and the entire Welsh Family. I was very sad to read about Bob’s passing. He was a very gentle, kind, humble, unassuming man who had the funniest personality. I loved listening to his stories. He left a legacy not only in the courtroom but in the beautiful family he raised and left behind. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Amy Downey

Rob, we offer you and your family our sincere condolences for the loss of your Dad. Wish him a speedy journey from this earth to the eternal Father. God Bless you and your family at this time of mourning.