CHICOPEE – William P. “Bill” “Pop” Belden, 93, of Chicopee, was Called Safely Home on Thursday May 10, 2012. He passed into Eternal Life at the Willimansett Center West in Chicopee, surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family and his wonderful caregivers. He was born in Danby, Vermont on April 20, 1919, a beloved son of the late William O. and Alice (Kane) Belden. He was raised in Danby, graduated from Mount Saint Joseph Academy in Rutland, Vermont and moved to Chicopee around 1940. He was employed for many years at Savage Arms in Chicopee and Westfield, retiring as an inspector in 1984. During his younger years, Bill enjoyed hunting, the outdoors, and was always ready for a good game of cards. His favorite holiday was the 4th of July, when he would always get together with his family and friends. Bill was known for his generosity and kindness and would often pass out gold dollar coins to his family, friends and even strangers. He was a member of the 25 Year Club at Savage Arms and the National Rifle Association. Bill was a quiet man who adored his family and showered them with his love and affection which was returned to him a thousand fold. He was a longtime communicant of Saint Patrick Church in Chicopee and currently a communicant of Mary Mother of Hope Church in East Springfield. He leaves his devoted wife and best friend, Rita P. (Kieffer) Pollard Belden. They were married on February 20, 1988 at the former Saint Mary Church in East Springfield and were blessed with 24 years of happiness together. Besides his wife, he leaves: his loving daughter, Mary L. Cardinal and her husband Armand, of Chicopee; his cherished grandson, William P. Cardinal, of Chicopee; his cherished great grandchildren, Jennifer L. Cardinal and William P. Cardinal, Jr., both of Chicopee; his dear sister-in-law, Helen Belden, of Danby, VT; and his many dear nephews, nieces and extended family members and friends. Besides his parents, William was predeceased by: his beloved first wife, Marjory L. (Jarvis) Belden, who was Called Home on June 4, 1980; his dear sister, Catherine McLellan; and his dear brothers, Maurice and Gerald Belden. His funeral will be held on Tuesday morning, May 15, 2012, beginning at the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Aldenville Chapels, (413-532-9806), 13 Dale Street, Chicopee, MA 01020, (funeral home will open at 8:30 a.m.), followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Mary Mother of Hope Church, 840 Page Boulevard, Springfield, MA 01104. His burial will follow the Mass at Saint Patrick Cemetery, Fuller Road, Chicopee, MA 01020. His family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday, May 14, 2012 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The parking lot and main entrance are located in the rear of the funeral home at 20 Lafayette Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. His family has requested that memorial donations may be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701. For our online obituary and guest book, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com