Stephen Lee Belmore Jr

Stephen L. Belmore, Jr, 43, passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025 with family, loved ones, and dear friends by his side. He was born on September 26, 1981 in Manchester, Connecticut, a town he grew up in and loved, which loved him right back.
It all started with a geodesic dome climber in the backyard. Before he was four years old, he was climbing every tree he could get his tiny little arms and legs around. When he was older, he and his friend acquired rope and rappelling harnesses. First it was trees in the yard, then it was a fifty-foot-high train trestle. (Mom and Dad didn't find out about that until years later). Then, in no particular order, came running, marathon events, kayaking, hiking, mountain climbing, rock climbing, ice climbing, street and offroad bicycling, arboriculture, woodworking, permaculture... Did I forget anything?
Stephen attended Manchester High School, Goodwin College, and New England Tractor-Trailer Training School where he obtained his Class-B CDL license. He was also an avid reader who was never without a book wherever he went. He was an outgoing person who made friends quickly and easily. It was rare that you entered a local restaurant or shop with Stephen that he did not know someone who worked there or one of the other patrons or customers. He had a smile that would light up a room and eyes that sparkled with laughter and fun.
Stephen is survived by his mother, Kathleen Rich, his father, Stephen L. Belmore, Sr. his stepmother and friend, Mary, his brother Jesse Rich, his Aunt Ellen Kanehl and family, various cousins, and his beloved girlfriend Bethany, who never left his side at the end. True to his giving and loving nature, Stephen was an organ Donor.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Save the Cabin at Case Mountain; Case Mountain Cabin, Inc., 172 East Center Street, Manchester, CT 06040 giving + loving. Calling hours will be on Friday, February 28, 2025 at Holmes Watkins Funeral Home, 400 Main Street, Manchester, CT from 2pm to 5pm. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, March 3, 2025 at the Second Congregational Church, 385 N Main Street, Manchester, CT at 10AM. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Stephen, please visit our floral store.