walter larch, jr.
Walter John Larch, Jr., a civic leader and retired businessman of Weirton died Friday, August 14, 2020, at the Weirton Medical Center. He was 89 years old. Walter was born in Weirton, WV on June 9, 1931, the second of four children born to Walter John, Sr. and Theresa Ewaskey Larch. He graduated from Weir High School in 1949, where he played football for Coach Hamill, graduating one year before the undefeated State Championship team. Shortly after graduation, Mr. Larch served his country with the United States Air Force during the Korean War. After returning from the war, Walter joined his father working for Larch Heating and Cooling. On May 19, 1956, he married his prom date Helen Moulakis, and they were blessed with three children, six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and 57 years of marriage. Helen took care of the home and Walter ran the family’s heating and cooling business for over 50 years, finally slowing down at the age of 75. His mind was razor sharp to the day he passed away. In the Weirton community, Walter volunteered countless hours to the organizations that he was involved with. He was a member of Saint Paul Roman Catholic Church, where he was an usher and a devoted member of the Holy Name Society. The Kiwanis Club was near and dear to his heart, where he served as President of the Weirton Club and Lieutenant Governor for the State of West Virginia. Walter was also a Life member of the Weirton Salvation Army Advisory Board, where he was the property chairman and chairman of the annual Christmas bell-ringing campaign. Walter always enjoyed scheduling the bell ringers each Christmas season. After marrying Helen he became an active member of the AHEPA, so much so that many people thought he was Greek. Walter had a passion for bowling and was the 1966 West Virginia State Singles Bowling Champion. Most of all Walter will be remembered for the love he had for God, his family, and his community. In addition to his parents, Walter was preceded in death by his wife Helen and daughter Tina. He was also preceded in death by his sister Amelia Lauerman and brother William Larch. Walter will be remembered with love by his sons, John Larch and Sherri of Wheeling and Jim (Kim) Larch of Weirton; his grandchildren, Amelia (Anthony) Mehler, Megan (James) Pino, Jennifer (Christopher) Mikula, Jason Larch, Julie (Eyad Fakhouri) Larch, and Tina (Rob) Rushing, George, Max and Lydia; his great-grandchildren, Michael and Elizabeth Mikula, Gia Pino, and Penny Mehler; and his sister, Mildred Yurko of Weirton. Friends and relatives will be received from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM Wednesday, August 19, 2020, at Saint Paul Roman Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 AM. Private interment will follow at Chestnut Ridge Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Paul Roman Catholic Church or the Weirton Salvation Army in memory of Walter’s life of service. Share tributes and memories at www.grecohertnick.com

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  1. So very sorry for your loss..AAA always enjoyed talking to Mr Larch when he came into our office..a true gentleman..Your AAA friends will dearly miss you.

  2. We are so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. He was such a great guy and wonderful furnace man! Treasure his memory and may he rest with our sweet Jesus. Joe and Patti Barnabei

  3. We were blessed to work with Mr. Larch during our tenure with The Salvation Army in Weirton. He was a wonderful asset to the Army’s work. He was a family man who always spoke of his love for his wife and children. He had a heart of compassion for those who were less fortunate. He was an exemplary board member. We pray for his family that they will feel God’s peace as they grieve their father,grandfather, and brother. Truly he will hear the words “Well done thou faithful servant.” Majors Butch and Carolyn Mallard

  4. Mr. Larch will be sadly missed. He was a sweet gentleman and so kind. Prayers to the family during this difficult time.

  5. My sincère sympathy to Jr’s family. I was always fond of him and your Mom. He was a kind boss and I enjoyed working for him. May he Rest In Peace.

  6. I will remember Walter as a very caring person. He was always asking how can I help you?? A great Kiwanian, father and he will be truly missed by all who knew him—

  7. May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time, May you come to know that the love of God is with you always, May your memories of Walter John Larch, Jr., give you peace, comfort and strength… Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete. I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers to the family of …. US Air Force Veteran, Walter John Larch, Jr., is “A True American Hero” God Bless† † Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †

  8. David and I so much enjoyed the time we shared with Walter at Kiwanis meetings. He had a generous spirit and a devotion to children that was an inspiration to us. My prayers are with Helen and Tina and the Larch family. Rest in peace, Walter.

  9. Dear Larch family, We are so sorry to learn of Walter’s passing away. We were privileged for so many years to have him as a most kind, caring, fun & treasured family friend. He was the finest example of a true family man and his devoted service to country, community and church were second to none and always on full display. Peace and blessings to all of you at this sad time. Most sincerely, Kathy Alatis & Family

  10. My condolences to Jim and the entire Larch Family. I was very fortunate to know Walter. He will be missed by all. Peace be with you. Jamie Byrne

  11. Beauty lies in the life that one has lived but a greater beauty is the hope we have in God’s promises. So with hearts filled with sadness may we remember Mr. Walter Larch as that smiling light, that glimmer of encouragement, that shining example of caring that touched the lives of so many over the years and was much appreciated by all. He will long be remembered, not only by family and friends but also by God who never forgets the caring kindness that one extends to another. John 5:28,29; Psalm 37:11, 29

  12. Dear Larch family members. This man was a true Legend and Hero to many. He touched many lives by his kindness and Love! His Life was a true devotion to God and the people of Weirton. He will always be remembered for his Life and how he lived it. So sorry for your great loss and many prayers to the family now at this time. He was a true soldier of Christ🙌🙏❤

  13. To Walters Family, Sheila and I are so very sad to have heard of Walter’s passing. Walter was certainly not only a premier Weirton citizen but as well as Weirton’s premier heating and cooling man. I have had the honor of knowing Walter since the mid 1960’s and especially since the early 1980’s as a fellow Kiwanian. He was truly so very kind and generous and always such a great, dependable steward to the Weirton Kiwanis. No doubt this man will be greatly missed by all who knew him. So sad, our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Rest In Peace, Walter.

  14. Sending my deepest sympathy and prayers to the Larch Family as they grieve their dear Father ~~ I had the pleasure of sharing a few wonderful dinners with him & Helen when he treated his bowling team & their wives at the end of bowling season ~~ such a gracious and kind man ~~ I know he will be very sadly missed by many ~~ RIP Mr. Larch, I hope you & Mike will bowl a few more games together up there ~~~ Sincerely, Janice Petrovich

  15. John & Jim – our sympathies to you and your families on the passing of your dad. He, your mom, sister and each of you were wonderful next door neighbors. Our families were always ready to help each other when anything came up. You mom and dad always had a kind word and a listening ear for my mom, dad, brother and myself. Greg, Michele & Jennifer

  16. What an incredible man; we were privileged to know him. He will be missed not only by our family, but also by his entire community.

  17. Dear Tina and Family, Sending our most heartfelt sympathies and wishing you peace during this difficult time.

  18. Ralph and I are so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and sending prayers for comfort during this difficult time. Ralph and Gail Lauerman

  19. Jim, Our deepest condolences to you and your family on your father’s passing. It has been a blessing to have known such a wonderful man! You are in our thoughts and prayers. Louise and Tom Drizmala

  20. John, so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. Please know you have my prayers and best wishes for you and your family. God bless. Sandy Schafer

  21. My deepest condolences to the entire Larch family. He was always nice to me while watching my dad and Mr. Larch bowl on Monday nights for Larch Heating & Cooling when I was kid. He was very generous to all the guys he bowled with and admired how well they enjoyed each others company. Rest in Peace, Michael Spinella.


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