John E. Belcher, Jr.

HOLDEN - John E. Belcher, Jr., 71, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, February 19th, 2024, at UMass Memorial in Worcester after being diagnosed with cancer just a few weeks ago. Born in Newton and raised in Sherborn, John was the son of the late John E. and Joan (Honald) Belcher and resided in Holden for the last 41 years.

John graduated from Dover-Sherborn High School in Dover and continued his education at St. Michael's College in Vermont, earning his bachelor's degree in political science in 1974. During college reunion in the Hamptons, John met and fell in love with Virginia Ryan of Garden City, New York. They married on June 3, 1978, and after a brief stay in Marlborough, they settled in Holden in 1983, becoming active members of the community.

For the past 40 years, John worked in the pool and pump supply industry, primarily at Pentair Company for over three decades. He was a devoted member of St. Mary's Church in Jefferson and served five years as president of the Wachusett Mountaineers Booster Club. John actively participated in his family's interests, coaching various youth sports teams in Holden including soccer, baseball, Pop Warner football, and girls' softball. He was an enthusiastic supporter of Wachusett sports teams, attending numerous games and events.

In his leisure time, John enjoyed playing golf with friends at Wachusett Country Club, where he participated in the "Preferred Liar's Club" league on Thursday nights. A passionate New England sports fan, he could often be found in his living room chair on autumn Sundays cheering on his beloved NE Patriots as they made their way to the playoffs and Super Bowl.

John cherished annual family vacations at Long Beach Island in New Jersey, a tradition spanning over 30 years. He will be fondly remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

John is survived by his wife of 45 years, Virginia (Ryan) Belcher; daughter Amy E. Dexheimer and her husband, Jay, of Cary, NC; son John E. Belcher, III of Cary, NC; sister Laure Joy and her husband, James, of Framingham; five grandchildren: Ryan, Jack, Benjamin, Ava, and Camden; as well as nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his sister, Tracy Belcher Ash, and his youngest son, Christopher R. Belcher.

John's life will be honored and remembered at visiting hours from 4 to 7 pm on Monday, February 26, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am on Tuesday, February 27, at St. Mary's Church, 114 Princeton St., Jefferson. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in John's name to WRHS Booster Club, 1401 Main St., Holden, MA 01520. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit the "Tribute Wall" on this page.