John E. Belcher, Jr. ’74

John E. Belcher, Jr., Holden, MA, died February 19, 2024, from cancer, just a few weeks after being diagnosed.

Born in Newton and raised in Sherborn, John resided in Holden for the last 41 years. He graduated from Dover-Sherborn High School in Dover and continued his education at Saint Michael’s where he earned his bachelor’s degree in political science.

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 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.

A son, Christopher Belcher ’08, predeceased John in 2020, and his brother-in-law Jere Ryan ’73, died in 2010. John is survived by his wife of 45 years, Virginia (Ryan) Belcher, a daughter, a son, a sister and extended family.