BELFIELD, Father John H. "Jack," died peacefully Aug. 19, 2012, in Canton, OH.
He was born Dec. 28, 1923, in Martins Ferry, OH. He was preceded in death by his loving parents, John Fisher Belfield and Loretta O'Donnell Belfield, and his dear sister, Agnes Belfield. He is survived by two sisters: Rita Whitlatch (Ray-deceased) of Sebring FL, and Mary Christmycr (Harold) of Mentor, OH. Fr. Belfield also leaves behind his dear cousin, Pal Geho of Sebring, FL, family friend, Christine Jobson of Garfield Hts, OH, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends who loved him and will miss him daily.
Fr. Belfield attended four seminaries in preparation for his vocation to the priesthood: St. John Vianncy, Bloomingdalc, OH, 1981, University of Steubcnvil1e, Steubcnville, OH. Theological College, Washington. D.C., and Catholic University of America. He was ordained by the late Bishop John King Mussio of Steubenville, OH, May 31, 1958. His priestly assignments included teacher and vice principal at Catholic Central High School, Steubenville, OH; on staff of the Steubenville Register; instructor at St. John Vianney Seminary; leader of the Jewish-Christian Secretariat; member of the council of priests; president of the Diocesan Priest's Senate; coordinator of Diocesan Health Care and a member of the Diocesan Entertainment Commission. He was assigned to Holy Name Cathedral, Steubenville, St. Pius the Tenth, Steubenville, St. Agnes, Mingo Junction. St John Bosco Mission, Sardis; St. Mathias Mission, Freeport; Christ the King Mission, Tappan Lake and Chaplain/Client Advocate, Cambridge Mental Health and Development Center. In Cambridge, he was the chaplain of the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Daughters of America., Scouting. and Hospice. Since his ordination, he has celebrated Mass in 29 countries, including Rome while on pilgrimages there. He retired Dec. 23, 1993, and moved to Sebring, FL, with his family where he played many rounds of golf and served as an assistant to the pastor at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in neighboring Avon Park, FL.
Article Photos
Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Martins Ferry on Thursday, Aug. 23, 2012, at 2 p.m., with Rev. Tom Marut as the celebrant.
Interment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the day care center for adults with memory problems at Change of Pace, 4514 Hammock Rd., Sebring, FL, 33872.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Keller Funeral Home.
Condolences to the family may be made by signing the guest book online at www.kellerfuneralhome.com
