Richard Maurice Belanger

1947 - 2022

Belanger

Richard Maurice Belanger (Age 75)

Richard (Dick) Belanger passed away peacefully on Friday, November 25, 2022 at the age of 75 after a short and hard-fought battle with cancer. Devoted husband to Candice Evans for 42 years and proud father to Matthew Belanger (Marlena Belanger), Nicole Belanger (Curtis Kimball) and Alan Belanger (Laura Johns) and grandfather ("B") to Harper Belanger, Eloise Belanger, Luke Belanger and Jonathan Belanger.

Dick was born in Lewiston, Maine on March 8, 1947 as the oldest of five to Robert Belanger and Louise LeBlond Belanger. Richard is survived by four siblings, Norman Belanger (Amy), Roland Belanger, Eileen Serratore (Joe) and David Belanger.

Dick excitedly pursued his BA in History at University of New Hampshire but was interrupted by a deployment to Vietnam in 1968 during which he served valiantly and from which he was honorably discharged with a Purple Heart. He returned home with renewed energy to complete his BA, followed by his Law Degree from Boston University.

Dick practiced law in both the public and private sector first with the US Customs Service and then in firms Scharretts Paley (NYC), Powell Goldstein (DC) and for the final 20 years as Partner at Sidley Austin (DC) from which he retired in 2019. Dick was widely recognized as a leading customs practitioner, and he proudly spearheaded an annual luncheon for all vets at his firm on Veterans Day.

To know Dick is to know that all things sports grabbed his attention. Dick remained ever-faithful to his New England roots through the Red Sox and Patriots and also willingly after 30 years in a new city and because they were in a different league, adopted The Nationals. Never one to be only a spectator, Dick also played softball for over 40 years with his longtime law-school friends on Harvey's Wallbangers.

Dick had many passions that were the lucky recipients of his time, energy and earnest attention. Dick was a champion for Everybody Wins! DC (EW!DC) – a reading and mentoring program for at-risk children. He impacted hundreds of thousands of low-income children around the Metro Area during his tenure on the Board of Directors over 20 years. Family, travel, golf, and most recently the Chesapeake Bay environment - both boating and environmental protection - kept him happy and busy in retirement. Foster parent to oysters and faithful turtle inventory specialist, Dick achieved through study, field-work and volunteer efforts at James Farm Ecological Preserve (Ocean View, DE), designation of Delaware Master Naturalist.

Dick would most want to be remembered, not for his accomplishments, but for the love he both gave to and received from family. He was not a boastful man. Dick was fiercely loyal to his family (and friends, many of whom became like family) - always ready to take a phone call or make a trip to be that steadfast and reliable confidant. Dick proudly shared and celebrated the love of his four grandchildren alongside his forever best friend, Candice.

As with much of his life, Dick approached his diagnosis with faith-filled courage and grace. From the beginning, his acceptance set the tone for his family's ability to navigate the many indignities peacefully. Dick remained adamant that he is no different than anyone else. God is as sad about the world's loss of Dick Belanger as is his family. For that and so much more, we will forever be grateful for Dick's time with us and lessons, legacy and love he leaves with us.

Visitation Monday, December 5, 2022. For service details please visit

josephgawlers.com