Robert Belden

Robert F. “Bob” Belden,

Age 78, of Canton, died on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. He was born June 20, 1947, in Canton, a son of the late Richard Belden, Sr. and Patricia (Freeman) Belden.

Bob was a 1965 graduate of Central Catholic High School, and he earned a BS in Mathematics from the University of Notre Dame in 1969, where he was a quarterback and a member of the 1966 National Championship Team. After graduation, he was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys. He went on to earn an MBA from the University of Michigan. After working at 3M and on the Chicago Board Options Exchange trading options as a market-maker, Bob returned, at the request of his family, to work with his father, cousins, and eventually two of his children, Bob and Julia, at The Belden Brick Company, from which he retired as Chairman Emeritus in 2025.

Bob loved sports and remained an avid golfer and handball player his entire life. He played organized baseball well into his 60s and competed in father-son tournaments in Florida and Arizona with his son Bob. His amazing memory enabled him to recount rounds of golf, football plays, and even his own Little League games in precise detail, decades after they had happened. A member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Bob had a deep and abiding faith that was apparent in the many good works he did throughout his life to support organizations and individuals in his community. Bob's lifelong devotion to the people of Canton was exemplified by his long service on numerous boards of directors and community organizations that benefited from his time and talents. Most of all, Bob was a family man. A patient, steady, generous, and tremendously loving husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother, Bob’s many family members, along with his friends, were the beneficiaries of his prodigious intelligence, his sports acumen, his quick wit, and his unfailing support. He will be forever loved and missed.

Bob is survived by his wife of 55 years, Kathleen (Keniray) Belden, and their four children, Christine (Tim) O’Connor and grandchildren Daniel, Matthew and Thomas; Robert (Ashley) Belden and grandchildren Charles, Robert and Lillian; James (Meagan) Belden and grandchildren Bridget, Patrick, James, Andrew and John; and Julia (Ken) Johnson and grandchildren Jack, Samuel and Ella. He is survived by siblings Richard Belden, Jr., Julia Belden, Ann (Derek Remski) Belden, Mark (Madeleine) Belden, and Phillip Belden.

A Memorial Mass will be held on May 21 at 10 A.M. in St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, with Fr. Benson Okpara as Celebrant. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bob’s memory may be made to the Stark Community Foundation, 400 Market Ave N Suite 200, Canton, OH 44702. Condolences may be left at: www.gordonfuneralhomes.com.

Gordon (330) 456-4766