Obituary of Jeffrey T. Belcher

Rev. Jeffrey T. “Jeff” Belcher, 78, of Rockland, Maine, died early Wednesday, February 21, 2018. He was a married for 41 years to Steffie Belcher. Jeff was born on June 22, 1939 in Melrose, MA son to the late C. Francis (Fran) and Beth Belcher. He grew up in Melrose graduating from Melrose High School. He worked at United Shoe Company before entering Bangor Theological Seminary where he got his Masters of Divinity. While finishing his work there he held the pulpits at the Orrs and Bailey Islands, United Church of Christ congregations in Maine. In 1969, he took the Associate Pastorate at the First Church of Christ in Unionville, CT. In 1976 he became the lead pastorate of the First Congregational Church of Plymouth, CT. He served at churches in Germantown Hills, IL, Champaign, IL, Amesbury, MA, Newburyport, MA, and Bristol, ME. He retired in 2009. In addition to his wife, Steffie, Jeff is survived by his children, Catherine Kellogg and her husband, Andy, Tim Belcher and his wife, Heather, and Matt Belcher, MD and his wife, Megan; his 10 grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. He is also survived by his sister Joan B. Browne, his sister Betsy and her partner Amy, his brother Alan and his wife Debbie, and his brother David and his wife Sue; as well as 12 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, Charlie and Bill Belcher and his two stepsons, Christopher and Jason Haumann. Jeff loved human connection through conversation, preaching & sharing with others their spiritual life and questions. He had a smile that brightened the room – one of warmth and also mischief. The weddings, funerals/memorials that he officiated at were unique, personal and memorable. He believed in peace and justice passionately. There were many events from the 60's to the present where he stood shoulder to shoulder with others to protest war & injustice. The memories of these brought pride and joy to him. Jeff had faults as we all do. He focused much of his energy on healing himself. Jeff was a friend of Bill W. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 21 at 10:00 AM at Broad Bay United Church in Waldoboro, Maine. Instead of flowers , memorial gifts can be sent to: Justice and Witness Ministries, Prospect Ave. E, Cleveland, OH, 44115-1100. A graveside family burial will take place in the spring.