It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Richard A. Belden, a lifelong Shelton resident who lost his 20 month battle with glioblastoma surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, December 12, 2023.
Rick was the first of four sons to the late Russell C. and Elizabeth A. Belden, in Derby, CT on December 26, 1954. He used to joke that he was told here’s your Christmas and birthday present. To Rick, it wasn’t about the gift, but rather the love of the family.
Rick attended St. Joseph Grammar School and where he made lifelong friends. He was a graduate of Notre Dame High School in West Haven, Class of 1972, and always talked fondly of his time at both of these schools. Rick attended the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. for a semester, but missed being home. After telling his parents, they insisted that he enroll in a college here. This led to him receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Finance from Sacred Heart University back when it was mainly a commuter school. He furthered his education while working full-time and a father of two toddlers obtaining his Master’s degree from the University of New Haven. While his educational experience served him well while in the corporate world, Rick felt something was missing in his career. He decided to take a giant leap into municipal finance first in Woodbury and then in Branford.
However, Rick met his true calling when the opportunity presented itself for the position of the school Finance Director for the Town of Seymour and was hired by Superintendent, Gene Coppola. As a life-long learner, Rick continued his education, obtaining his Administrator’s Certification degree which assisted him in being able to work collaboratively with administrators and staff to understand their needs and determine how he could best support the district’s goal to improve student achievement. After almost twenty years there, he made the decision to come to his hometown of Shelton and finally utilized his skill set in Ansonia . Rick made a positive impact in both of those districts as well.
Rick accomplished much during his lifetime: President of CASBO, St Joseph Parish Carnival Committee Co-Chair that his friend, Ken Nappi convinced him to do, “Oh don’t worry Rick, it won’t take much!” Shelton Parks and Rec — Concerts on the Green (which he truly loved selecting the various musicians) , Board of Center Stage — attending productions with ” Allie and the rest of his Theater Wives”, board member of Boys and Girls Club of Lower Naugatuck Valley (a place where he met his future wife as the club was transitioning to a co-ed club back in 1971), and Past President Highland Golf Club (which gave him such great enjoyment in so many ways.)
Rick leaves behind his devoted wife of 46 years Beverly Devine Belden, and sons Bryan J. Belden of Charlotte, North Carolina, Matthew S. Belden and his wife Jennifer Monaco, and Michael A. Belden all of Shelton. He was always active in his boys’ lives while they were growing up, coaching their soccer, baseball, football and basketball teams. When they became adults, Rick played many rounds at Highland or went on golf trips with them. Rick was their “Rock”.
Any moments he spent with his precious granddaughters Anabelle and Amery Monaco-Belden were treasured. He was beyond proud of the girls. Living in a multi-generational house and watching his two granddaughters grow into amazing strong, young women was his favorite pastime, often waiting for them to come home and talk. They could always count on Poppy to be on the sidelines cheering them on at their soccer games, taking them to the mall or anywhere else they wanted to go. Rick loved the car time talks with the girls discussing anything from music, their classes, or just life. He was their #1 fan and loved hearing their voices. He truly enjoyed the time with his most adored grandson, Garhett Belden. Facetime calls were often the highlight of his day. Garhett’s “I love you Poppy” brought happiness to Rick.
He leaves behind his three younger brothers and their families, Donald and Annie niece Halle of Sarasota, FL, Steven and Anne nephews Scott, Shawn and Christian of Billerica, MA , and Gary and Karen niece and nephew Michelle and Nicholas of Derby.
When Rick married Bev he automatically gained a whole new set of siblings whether he liked it or not, but he truly welcomed his new family. He is survived by his sisters and brothers in law: Gail Devine and Peter Swift of Newburyport MA, Pamela Devine and Dennis Coloski of Marlton NJ, Jeffrey and Martha Devine of Ansonia and Melissa Parker of Bethany.
He was predeceased by his sister in law Joann Devine Fitzpatrick, and brother-in-laws Terence Devine, John (Jack) Parker and Michael Fitzpatrick.
Rick is also survived by his uncle John Belden and aunts Bertha and Edith Belden, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and cousins.
Words cannot express the gratitude our family has for the support, prayers and love from our family, friends and medical staff who were always there for Rick.
Special thanks to:
Long time friend Ken Nappi who talked with or sat by Rick’s bedside everyday over the past twenty months.
Special cousins Russell and Colleen Tortora
Dr. Nicholas Blondin for his guidance, efforts and time
Smilow Cancer Center Staff Trumbull and Hartford Healthcare at Home Hospice, especially nurse Brian J. for their compassion and dignity of care.
Friends may greet the family on Friday, December 15, 2023 from 3:00 — 7:00 at Riverview Funeral Home 390 River Road, Shelton. Friends are asked to go directly to St. Joseph Church 50 Fairmont Place, Shelton, for a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, those so inclined may make a donation to Rick’s grandchildren’s educational fund. Rick valued education which was evidenced by his profession and loved his three grandchildren immensely.
Rick’s ultimate goal in life was to have made a difference, mission accomplished! It’s time for you to rest and enjoy many rounds on the golf course where the fairways are wider, bigger greens and less rough. A place you cannot lose a ball, and your shots are always perfect. It’s where the weather is ideal, with no wind!
We know that you will always be watching over us! We love you!
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.riverviewfh.com
