A man who helped shape St. Petersburg's history has died. 

David Welch, a former St. Petersburg City Council member and Pinellas County teacher, passed away Monday night at the age of 85.

Welch was described by many as a pioneer of the city after having served three terms on the City Council in the 80's and 90's.

"We're a better town because of that," said current City Council Chairman Karl Nurse.

Nurse lost a race to Welch in the 90's, but Welch was one of the first people Nurse turned to after later winning a seat.

"There wasn't a lot of razzle-dazzle, just what could he do every day to improve his city," said Nurse.

Welch, the second African American to serve on St. Petersburg's City Council, helped transform Midtown and bring the Thunder Dome, now Tropicana Field, to St. Petersburg.

Bay News 9 found a University of South Florida St. Petersburg audio recording from the 1990's, on which Welch is heard speaking about what it takes to be a leader.

"I believe very seriously if [we] stop talking so much and put the plans into action in which we have, then things will get better," Welch said in the recording.

In addition to his work on the City Council, Welch also taught at a segregated school in the 60's and was a lifetime member of the NAACP.

Family friend, former State Representative and St. Petersburg City Council member Frank Peterman said Welch used that life experience to bring everyone together during difficult times.

"That meant that he had to be very strong against issues of racism and discrimination, but at the same time he had to balance that with negotiating with the other side in order to get resources into his community," said Peterman.

Welch's son Ken, who is the chair of the Pinellas County Board of Commissioners, released this statement to Bay News 9:

"The Welch family would like to thank the Tampa bay community for the outpouring of support and condolences on the passing of Dr. David T. Welch. It is a humbling recognition of his devoted service to our community."