Mr. Nicholas W. Rench 72, of Estero, FL and Ipswich, formerly of Topsfield, beloved husband of Mary K. (Brenizer) Rench, died Saturday, October 19th, 2013 at his home at the Ipswich Country Club.

Born in Portland, IN, he was the son of the late Rexall W. and C. Esther (Allison) Rench. He was raised and educated in Indiana, graduating from Purdue University with a degree in Metallurgical Engineering and a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. He earned a Masters degree in Materials Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and completed the Rickover Fellowship Program in Nuclear Engineering.

Mr. Rench began his professional career with the Westinghouse Bettis Atomic Power Laboratories near Pittsburgh PA from 1963 until 1967. He then moved on to GTE Electrical Products in both Towanda, PA and Danvers where he had a long and successful career as an Executive. His career with GTE spanned over almost three decades until the time of his retirement in 1994 with his last role being Director of Information Technology. Upon his retirement he became the founder and president of Career Transition Network, focused in the consulting business with his primary client being Sheilds Meneley Partners of Chicago. Previously he had consulted with The Center for Executive Options, a part of Drake Beam Morin (DBM).

A resident of the Town of Topsfield for over 22 years, Nick was a long time active member of The Congregational Church of Topsfield. He held numerous positions in the church including Moderator, President of the Board of Trustees, Chair of Christian Education, Chair of two Senior Pastor Search Committees and Chair of Strategic Planning. His dedicated relationship with the church lasted over thirty-seven years. In addition, he was an active member of the community, chairing the committee that defined and gained subsequent town approval to install the first computer system for the Town of Topsfield. Mr. Rench dedicated his life to improving the lives of others through his good works.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother, who enjoyed spending his time with his family. He was an avid fly fisherman and angler who traveled throughout the United States, and abroad, fishing some of the greatest waters found. He was a long-standing member of The Fly Casters of Boston and a Past Member Board of Governors. Also, he belonged to The Anglers' Club of New York. His outgoing and lively personality was one of his trademarks. He will be remembered for his genuine and kind nature, his willingness to help others and his church, his commitment to his profession and his dedication to his family.

In addition to his loving wife of nearly 50 years, Nick is survived by his children, Jill Allison (Rench) Wheeler and her husband Thomas Edward of Boxford and Scott William Rench and his wife Kristin Marie (Feeney) of Orlando, FL, his grandchildren, Jonathon T. Wheeler, Emily K. Wheeler, Lauren M. Rench and Allison C. Rench, his brothers, Jerry D. Rench, Jay A. Rench his sister, Julia A. (Rench) Maurer, brother-in-law Jon W. Brenizer, their spouses and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to his memorial service which will be held in The Congregational Church of Topsfield, 30 East Common St. Topsfield, Sunday, November 24th, 2013 at 2 P.M.. Burial in Pine Grove Cemetery, Topsfield. Visitation was previously held. Assisting the family with the arrangements is the Peterson-O'Donnell Funeral Home 167 Maple St. (Rte 62) Danvers. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Nick's memory to Project Healing Waters, Hospice of the North Shore and Greater Boston or The Congregational Church of Topsfield.