Robert Griffith Welch Jr, 70, died tragically on Monday, February 27, 2017 in an auto accident in Vero Beach, FL. Bob was the owner of Designer Hardware in Vero Beach.

He was born in Fort Pierce on July 20, 1946 to Rose Anne McManus Welch and Robert Griffith Welch Sr. He attended St Anastasia and graduated from Central Catholic High School in Fort Pierce in 1964. He received his bachelors degree from University of Florida and then served 4 years in the US Air Force. Bob then worked for East Coast Lumber & Supply for many years, managing the Vero Beach location until 1982. He began work for Designer Hardware in 1982, and purchased the business in 1986.

He leaves his sisters Mary Frances Welch (Art Bancroft) of New Orleans, Josie Welch (Kevin O'Neill) of Vero Beach, and cousin Gail Svec of Fort Pierce. He was preceded in death by his brother, John Welch of Pensacola.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Tuesday, March 14, 2017 , from 5-7 pm at Cox-Gifford Funeral Home, 1950 20th St, Vero Beach. A Prayer Service will follow at 7 pm in the funeral home chapel. Please visit Bob's memorial page at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.