William E. Welcome

William's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here to view the service.

William (Omar) Welcome of Albany, NY passed away peacefully on Monday, April 22, 2024, at the tender age of 72 with loving embrace of his family, friends, and loved ones. Omar, as he loved to be called, was born on December 18, 1951, in Albany, NY to Ida Bell and Edward Welcome, Sr. Throughout his younger years Omar attended Albany schools, and opted to obtain his GED.

However, public education alone did not satisfy Omar's spiritual hunger for self-exploration, self-identification, and self-discovery, this search ultimately led him to find and embrace Islam as he was one of the first persons in the Capital region to receive knowledge of himself in his peer group. The name Omar means 'Flourishing and long-lived" and as he lived his penchant for long lasting relationships flourished throughout his life.

Evidence of this fact is obvious as he was loved by all that knew him. He was especially known among his peers for his humor and his thirst for knowledge. After acquiring his GED, Omar went on to pursue his academic interest at Hudson Valley Community College. While at Hudson Valley, he was especially known for touching the hearts and minds of those around him and he possessed what many refer to as a dress-to-impress sense of style and fashion.

He was known to look sharp, drive a nice car, and take care of his family.

Omar is predeceased by his parents Ida Bell and Edward Welcome Sr. as well as his brother James Presley Sr. He is survived by and leaves to mourn his lovely wife Linda , his daughter, Taneaca , his granddaughter Tinasia McNeil, his great grandsons Troy and Tobias Urena, his siblings Percy Webb, Joann , Charles , Sharon Welcome-Gomez, Edward Jr., John Sr. Michael Sr. and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, great-great nieces and great-great nephews.

It goes without saying that he loved to be around his family, his friends, and his loved ones, especially his grandchild and great grandchildren who appreciated him tremendously. Lastly, a fun fact about Omar worthy of note is that he was somewhat of an environmentalist as he would often collect bottles and cans which was, in his own way, a means of contributing to a clean and safe environment. Omar will be sorely missed..


Relatives and friends are invited to attend his calling hours on Saturday April 27, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, NY 12205. All are invited to attend his funeral service following at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery.

The repast will be at 3:00 pm at 2 Thurlow Terrace Albany, NY.

In Loving Memory

The Welcome Family