Stephen Joseph Belczak, 74, of Westminster West, passed away unexpectedly on November 7, 2025. He was born in Bellows Falls on December 25, 1951, the son of Joseph and Amelia (Poluch) Belczak.

He leaves his much-loved wife, Virginia Wyoming, and his two sisters, Frances Church of Brattleboro and JoAnne Merrill of Hendersonville, NC. He also leaves several nieces and nephews and two grandnephews.

Steve had a fervent commitment to grass roots activism. He was a longtime co-chair of the Connecticut River Joint Commission and helped to develop the River Corridor Management plan.

He also worked for many years as a mental health professional and advocate at the Brattleboro Retreat. He was known for his compassionate patient care and was also a vocal advocate of the Workers’ rights and strong union for health care works.

Steve was a frequent contributor to The Commons with his thoughts on social, political and labor issues. He was very concerned about the state of our country. He was a liberal with a capital “L.”

His one passion in life was his wife, Virginia, and during her illness he cared for her until it became impossible. He loved bicycling with special friends and one in particular, along the Vermont roads, past the woods and villages. In the past, fly fishing was a happy time for him… he loved being out in nature. Music was a love of his… he would introduce his new discoveries to his friends and relatives. And not to forget, his great sense of humor, which his nephew has also.

Steve and Virginia had a large circle of devoted friends who loved them, had good times with them, and helped them in hard times.

Steve Belczak will be missed by many. Friends, family and the hobbit house, which is what he called their home, will miss both Steve and Virginia. But the house is being cared for by “youngsters” who know that special people lived in the hobbit house and will hopefully preserve their memory.

There will be a celebration of Steve’s life at the Westminster Congregational Church later this summer at a date and time to be announced.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls, VT 05101.