Anthony J. "Tony" Welcome, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, educator, and friend, peacefully passed away on December 14, 2025, joining his parents, Rudolph J. Welcome and Ida (Belogi) Welcome, in the embrace of God. He was surrounded by his wife and his three loving children.

Tony is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Linda Ann (Caminiti) Welcome. Together, they raised three wonderful children: Jennifer Lynn (Jarrod) Beebe, Jaime Leigh (Thomas F.) Eastman, and Andrew Anthony (Melissa Call) Welcome. Tony's legacy also lives on in his five cherished grandchildren: Evan Eastman, Harper Beebe, and Madeline, Addison, and Aidan Welcome, who brought immeasurable joy to his life.

Born in Cohoes, NY on July 1, 1948, Tony was a proud graduate of Cohoes High School, class of 1966. He went on to earn his Master's Degree in Education and Certificate of Advanced Study from the University at Albany. His career was a testament to his passion for education and his dedication to the Ichabod Crane School District. Over the span of fifty years, Tony impacted countless lives—first as a teacher of fourth and fifth grade for seventeen years, then as Assistant Principal of Martin Van Buren and Martin H. Glynn schools. He served as Principal of both Van Buren and Glynn schools for fourteen years before becoming the Principal of Ichabod Crane Primary School for the final ten years of his professional career, retiring in 2006. After a brief retirement, Tony continued to serve his community by being an active member of the Ichabod Crane Board of Education for nine years, six of those years as President.

Outside of his professional life, Tony had many passions. A lifelong fan of the Baltimore Orioles and Indianapolis Colts, he was also an avid lover of Broadway shows. Tony's love for theater took him to New York City to see a variety of performances, with three of his all-time favorites being Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Miss Saigon, and Wicked. His love for the arts extended locally, as he was a season ticket holder for Mac-Haydn Theatre, Capitol Repertory Theatre, and Schenectady Light Opera for many years. Tony also enjoyed bowling and was an accomplished league bowler in his younger years, boasting a 200 average.

Tony's warmth, kindness, and dedication to others will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of love, learning, and community, and his memory will continue to inspire those fortunate enough to have crossed his path.

Funeral service will be held at St. John the Baptist Church, Valatie, NY on December 22, 2025 at 11am. Calling hours will be held at Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, Valatie on December 21, 2025 from 1pm - 4pm.