By Cary Shuman
Ronald J. Belanger
Ronald J. Belanger earned widespread affection and respect as both an innovative Chelsea police officer and a distinguished 30-year member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives representing Rockingham County. Former colleagues and friends continue to honor his legacy of dedication and service.
He was 78 when he passed away on July 14, 2017. A Chelsea native who grew up at 17 Spencer Ave., Mr. Belanger attended Our Lady of Assumption, Carter Junior High, and Chelsea High School.
During a Tuesday Mass at Mary Queen of Peace Church in Salem, N.H., Ron Belanger Jr. delivered an emotional eulogy honoring his father on behalf of his older sister Donna Belanger Sandford, twin sister Rhonda Belanger Dibiase, and the entire Belanger family.
“I just spoke from my heart,” Ron Jr. said. “We couldn’t have been more proud of what he accomplished in his life and of having the honor to be his children.”
His father’s work as a detective with the Chelsea Police Department included founding the first CPD Narcotics Detective Squad, according to Ron Jr. This pioneering unit was among the earliest local narcotics divisions in the region, reflecting Mr. Belanger’s foresight in recognizing drug abuse as an emerging national crisis.
Mr. Belanger relocated to New Hampshire following his police retirement and embarked on a second public service career. He was elected to the Salem Board of Selectmen and subsequently served 30 years as a state representative. Due to his exemplary service and tenure, he occupied the prestigious “No. 1” seat in the Granite State legislature, according to his son, Ron Jr.
“He was a great father,” Ron Jr. stated. “He loved being a Belanger. He loved being a brother, a father, grandfather, and great grandfather.”
His dedication to public and community service made him widely admired.
“He loved to serve his community in law enforcement in Boston and for the rest of his life in New Hampshire’s Rockingham County,” Ron Jr. emphasized. “I was so honored to read all the tributes to him that were in the newspaper this week.”
New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu publicly commended Mr. Belanger’s contributions to public service.
“Ron was a giant in Salem politics and made immeasurable contributions to his community as a selectman and Planning Board member and to New Hampshire as a state representative,” Sununu remarked in an Eagle Tribune story this week.
New Hampshire Senate President Chuck Morse offered his tribute through a statement to the Eagle Tribune: “Salem is a better place to live because of his years of service in Concord and as a leader in the community. Ron has been a good friend for many years and he will be greatly missed through greater Salem.”
Many individuals from both Chelsea and New Hampshire attended a memorial observance Monday at the Douglas and Johnson Funeral Home to pay their respects to Mr. Belanger.
Colleagues and neighbors in Chelsea remembered him as a deeply respected officer who consistently went beyond expectations to assist both residents and fellow officers. His warm demeanor and personable nature were evident in his three accomplished children, who earned popularity among their peers and friends.
City Council President Leo Robinson characterized Mr. Belanger as “your classic, friendly Chelsea guy.”
“He was just a great person who helped so many people along the way. I’m not surprised that he chose a life of public service after his retirement in Chelsea. He had a nice, professional manner and I’m sure his constituents loved having him as their representative looking out for their best interests. On behalf of the residents of Chelsea, I extend my condolences to the Belanger family.”
Mr. Belanger was married to the late Dorinne (Sealy) Belanger. He is survived by his three children: Donna Sandford and her husband Michael of Saugus, Rhonda Belanger Dibiase of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Ronald Belanger Jr. of Haverhill; his siblings Richard, Raymond, Donald, Daniel Belanger, and Norma Schroth; ten grandchildren including Louis, Kendra, Ari, Chanelle, Ugo, Diandra, Ronald III, Lauren, Leanne, and Kristi Rose; five great-grandchildren: James, Payton, Lylah, Manii and Desanii; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Those wishing to honor Mr. Ronald J. Belanger’s memory may make contributions to: Salem Boys and Girls Club, 3 Geremonty Drive, Salem, N.H. 03079.
(This report incorporates information and quotes from an Eagle Tribune story).