Boscawen, NH – The world became a little quieter on October 8, 2026, when Derek Edward Welch, age 51, passed away suddenly from a heart attack. Derek was a man who lived with heart-big, open, and always ready to give. He loved deeply, laughed loudly, and carried a spirit that made people feel at home. Simply put, everyone liked Derek.
Born on February 28, 1975, Derek found joy in life’s everyday moments: a good conversation, a great movie (although, according to Derek, every movie was the best movie ever), a creative project, especially when it was made for someone else, or time spent with the people and animals he loved most. He had a special way of turning ordinary days into memories worth keeping.
Derek shared a home in Boscawen, New Hampshire, with his longtime love and life partner, Dawn Davis, and their four beloved pups. An animal lover at heart, Derek had many cherished dogs throughout his life, each holding a special place in his heart. He was a friend to everyone he met, known for his humor, kindness, compassion, and ability to make people laugh. Whether he was entertaining friends with his endless movie trivia, sharing a laugh, or simply enjoying a good cup of coffee, Derek brought warmth and personality to every gathering.
Derek had a passion for horror movies, The Three Stooges, Mystery Science Theater 3000 (MST3K), and his favorite band, Tool. He loved music, art, creative writing, and attending concerts, often alongside his uncle, Jeremy Welch. Among his favorite memories were meeting cast members of MST3K at the Capitol Center for the Arts and, more recently, meeting members of Recycled Percussion alongside Gabe and Dawn. Derek also enjoyed playing golf with his father, Scott, and bringing friends together for board game nights. He was always ready with a joke, an interesting fact, or a story that would leave everyone smiling.
Throughout his career, Derek worked in retail management for several companies, including Irving, Citizens Bank, Walgreens, BJ’s, Subway, Sam’s Club, and Walmart. In more recent years, he devoted himself to caring for his brother, Gabriel, serving as his full-time caregiver and court-appointed legal co-guardian. His dedication to Gabe was a reflection of the love, loyalty, and compassion that defined him. Above all, Derek was a devoted brother, son, partner, and friend who consistently put the needs of others before his own.
Derek leaves behind his father, Scott Welch, and stepmother, Anne Welch; his mother, Dawn Mayo, and stepfather, Bruce Mayo; his longtime partner, Dawn Davis; his uncle, Jeremy Welch, and his wife, Jessica; countless friends whose lives were made brighter by knowing him; and, last but certainly not least, his beloved brother, Gabriel Welch. Those who knew and loved Derek will forever cherish his stories, his stubborn determination, his generous heart, and his remarkable ability to bring a smile to someone’s face, even on the hardest days.
A gathering to honor and celebrate Derek’s life will take place on Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, with a service beginning at 5:00 PM, at Bennett Funeral Home in Concord, New Hampshire.
Those wishing to honor Derek’s memory may do so by supporting the New Hampshire SPCA or simply by extending an act of kindness to someone in need, just as Derek so often did.
Derek’s life was filled with laughter, love, and an unwavering devotion to those he cared about.
While his passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness, the memories he created and the kindness he shared will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to have known him.
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