Frederick Guy Welch, Age 92, of State College, passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Mount Nittany Medical Center. Born on July 6, 1933, in Biddeford, Maine. He was the son of the late Mildred and Lester Littlefield.
After graduating from Gorham State Teacher’s College, Fred was hired as an Industrial Arts teacher and later took a job as an Administrator at Portland High School. In 1969, he and his wife, Patricia brought their young family to State College where he earned a doctoral degree in Vocational and Industrial Education. Falling in love with the State College and Penn State University, Dr. Welch started and remained in Happy Valley his entire career, retiring as Head of his Department and Professor Emeritus. Over his career at PSU, Dr. Welch helped to popularize the field of Vocational Technical Education across Pennsylvania including writing the “book” that many schools used to teach On the Job Training. Many of the leaders in the Vocational Educational Field were students of Dr. Welch, and he remained a mentor to them throughout their careers. In addition, Dr. Welch fostered the development of vocational education training in all parts of Taiwan, establishing connections between PSU and that country. His career highlights include supervising countless Doctoral students, being the connection between Taiwan and PSU, and bringing millions of dollars into Penn State by writing grants and proposals.
Fred was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. In addition to his wife Pat, he is survived by four of his children: Frederick Welch Jr. (Mark Ksiazewski), Constance Welch, Teresa Milrod (Robert), and Steven Welch (Tina), nine grandchildren, Benjamin Welch, Griffin Welch (Samantha), Naomi Jones (James III), Celeste Welch, Tiger Welch, Rivka Milrod (Lydia), Noah Milrod, Orion Welch, Apollo Welch, and two great grandchildren, Gil and Oren Milrod. He was predeceased by his son Brian Welch.
Fred loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, building things with his hands, and traveling the world Volksmarching. He and Pat were married for nearly 71 years. They summered in a cabin built by Fred in Belgrade Lakes, Maine. They traveled the world with friends walking on every continent except Antarctica. Fred lived his life to the fullest. He was such a charismatic and positive person, and was loved by anyone who met him.
Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.wetzlerfuneralhome.com