John William "Bill" Belt

John William “Bill” Belt, Jr., 78, of Mentor, died September 26, 2023 at Hillcrest Hospital in Mayfield Heights. He was born August 18, 1945 in Tacoma, Washington. Bill grew up in Lyndhurst, Ohio and graduated from Brush High School in 1963. He attended Bowling Green State University and was a proud Theta Chi, and graduated in 1969 with a liberal arts degree. He lived in Mentor for most of his life. Following his father’s footsteps, Bill began working as a general laborer for Sam W. Emerson Company during high school until he started the J.W. Belt Company in 1985. He worked there the rest of his life, alongside his son Johnny, and many long-time employees. He was a member of Building Laborers’ Union Local 310 and recently received a 55-year service recognition. Bill’s passion was construction, and much of his free time was spent building things, from his houses to friends’ and families’ projects. His hobbies were many and varied throughout his life, and included motocross racing, weightlifting, snowmobiling, fishing, golfing, and traveling to Canada. He loved trains and cowboy flicks. Bill was a quiet giant with a strong work ethic and a fierce love for his family and friends. He was loved by many for his loyalty, hard-earned praise, unique sense of humor, stoic companionship and generosity. He expressed his love through acts of service and he always showed up for people. Survivors include his longtime partner, Mary Scott; children, Jeni Belt, Jami Belt, and John William “Johnny” Belt III; grandchildren, Ira and Wren Rosenkoetter, and Laura Williams; stepdaughters Lauren (Joseph) Clarke, and Ashley Scott; brother, Jim (Sharon) Belt, niece and nephew, Shawn (LP) and Andrea, and his grandnieces, Abbi and Lainee. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Jean Belt; and sister, Maureen Belt. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at Deep Springs Trout Club, 11069 Chardon Rd., Chardon, OH 44024 on Sunday, October 22, 2023, at 12 noon, followed by an open house until 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Kidney Foundation of Ohio www.kfohio.org/WaysToGive.html Arrangements entrusted to the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060. Please offer condolences at www.brunners.com.

John William "Bill" Belt

August 18, 1945 - September 26, 2023