David A. Belcher 65, of Abington died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Tuesday October 27. He was the beloved husband for forty four years of Judith L. (Pearson) Belcher, whom he met and married in 1965.
Born and raised in Weymouth he was the son of Jennie (Lang) Belcher of Weymouth and the late Harry C. Belcher, and a graduate of Weymouth High.
He was a veteran of Vietnam serving in the US Navy as an Electronics Technician aboard the USS Preston from 1962-1965. For his participation in combat operations in the Gulf of Tonkin in 1964 he was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon by the Secretary of the Navy.
David was a HAM radio operator, a sportsman and a pilot, as well as a flying instructor at the Plymouth Airport, and had many friends at both Plymouth and Cranland airports. In earlier years in order to earn money for his flying lessons Dave refereed amateur ice hockey and umpired softball leagues and became a member of both professional organizations.
His latest passion was his participation in the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) and he rose up through the ranks becoming the Colonel of Massachusetts. During his four years as head of CAP he became involved with “Search & Rescue” with several surrounding states. His methodical approach was an immense asset to CAP. The “Flag” was just recently passed on to the next commander.
Dave’s illness slowed him down, but his perseverance was unmistakable.
Dave loved his family and enjoyed many enjoyable moments with his four beautiful grandchildren Joanna, Penelope, Jack and Maggie. The see-saw, ice fishing, “see you late alligator-after awhile crocodile-not too soon you big baboon” and countless other memories.
In addition to his wife Judith and his mother Jennie he is survived by his loving children Susan J. Medeiros and her husband John of Whitman, Gregory A. Belcher and his wife Ali of Rhode Island, and Matthew D. Belcher of Chicago, his brothers Alan Belcher and his wife Carol of Plymouth and Bruce Belcher of Weymouth.
Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours to be held Friday October 30 from 4-8 PM in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel Plymouth Street (Rt. 58 at the rotary) Whitman. By request of the family, funeral services and burial will be private. Donations may be made in his name to Hospice of the South Shore Box 9060, Braintree, MA 02184, Dana Farber Cancer Institute 10 Brookline Place / Floor 6, Brookline, MA 02445-9924, or Mass-Wing Attn: Cadet Program Box 656, Bedford, MA 01730-0656.