Belmont F. Haydel Jr.

Belmont F. Haydel, Jr. from a prominent New Orleans family, passed peacefully at age 94 on March 10, 2025, in Ann's Choice, Warminster, PA. He is survived by his beloved wife of almost 40 years, Nina Joy, four stepchildren, two step grandchildren, nieces and nephews and people from around the world that he referred to as children and grandchildren.
Belmont was born on November 24, 1930, in New Orleans, LA, and was raised within the family horticulture business. He had a love for plants and flowers and a knack for flower arranging. He had the ability to turn any struggling plant into a thriving one. After retiring from teaching internationally and at Rider University, he volunteered at a local plant nursery, enabling him to keep his "hands dirty."
Belmont lived an accomplished professional life having many fulfilling and rewarding careers. His professional services included accounting, military, diplomacy, higher education in American and foreign universities, and consulting in economics and commerce with private businesses and foreign governments. His degrees included two Bachelors degrees, a Masters degree and a Ph.D. from North Texas State University. He retired from the Army as a Major in the Infantry. He served as a diplomat in the Kennedy and Johnson administrations, in various posts throughout Latin America countries. Belmont was fluent in foreign languages including Spanish, Portuguese, and French, and authored numerous published books, articles, and manuscripts.
He was a long-time professor of Business Administration at Rider University and held Fulbright teaching awards in Jordan and Uruguay. Fondly known by his nickname "Doc", he dedicated 14 years as the Rider fraternity advisor to the Phi Sigma Kappa Bearcats, impacting over 400 brothers with his wisdom, mentorship, and brotherhood. As an International Economist, he presented speeches and appeared on many panels as well as at conferences in South America, Europe, and Asia. He loved to tell stories about his experiences living abroad and traveling with the love of his life, Nina.
Family and friends are invited to Belmont's viewing on Monday, March 24, 2025 from 11:00 A.M. until his Funeral Service begins at 12:00 P.M. at the Ann's Choice Chapel, located 30000 Ann's Choice Way, Warminster. Interment will follow at Washington Crossing National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to his endowed Rider University Scholarship fund that benefits students. Online using the button below (please use: Designation - Other, Specify: Dr. Belmont Haydel Scholarship Fund) or via mail to Rebecca Mamrosh, Associate Director of Scholarship Stewardship, Rider University, 2083 Lawrenceville Rd., Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Family services entrusted to Decker-Givnish of Warminster, 215-675-2070. To share your own memories of Belmont with the family, please visit us at www.lifecelebration.com To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Belmont, please visit our floral store.