Dr. Joseph A. Welna

Dr. Joseph A. Welna, 94, of Palm Beach, Florida (formerly of New Britain, CT) passed away on August 15, 2025 at his home in the presence of his loved ones.

Dr. Welna was born in New Britain, CT on March 24, 1931 to Joseph and Sophie  (Roman) Welna. He graduated from New Britain High School and went on to attain degrees from Trinity College and Tufts Medical School.

Joe married the true love of his life, Marianne Slysz, in September of 1957. After medical internship and residency in Boston, he spent two years as a captain in the Army Medical Corps in Lawton, Oklahoma. Following the military, Joe and Marianne moved back to their home town, New Britain, CT, where Joe opened a practice in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Over the next 42 years, Dr. Welna would help bring more than 8,000 new souls into our world and touched innumerable lives. Joe also served as Chairman of the People's Savings Bank for over 20 years, stressing the importance of doing right for the people who put their faith and trust in him.

Joe was an avid boater and accomplished captain. He traveled countless miles across New England waters with Marianne and his family. After retiring, Dr. Welna moved to Palm Beach, Florida where he spent his golden years enjoying time with Marianne, his family, and friends.

Joe is survived by his cherished wife, Marianne of Palm Beach; a son and daughter-in-law, Joseph B. and Marcia Welna of Boston; loved nieces, Diana DeVivo of Berlin, CT and Mary Brown of Reston, Virginia; and loved nephew, Donald DeVivo and his wife Patricia of Berlin, CT.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at 10 AM at Sacred Heart Church in New Britain.  Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery.  Calling hours are Tuesday, August 26, 2025 from 5-7 PM at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home of Berlin, 111 Chamberlain Hwy., Berlin.