Fred Belch, 82, Crane Operator

Mr. Belch was born February 9, 1919 in El Portal, Arizona living most of his life in Lorain. Mr. Belch was a crane operator at U. S. Steel, retiring in 1981 after 41 years of service. Mr. Belch was in the U.S. Army, serving as a Corporal with the 531st Fighter Squadron Army Air Force Base Unit, during World War II at Western Pacific Rvykyus in Japan. He earned the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with 4 Bronze Stars and the Good Conduct Medal.

He enjoyed gardening, bike riding, the Cleveland Indians and spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Marcella Rose (nee Dominguez) Belch, son Fred Belch Jr. of Lorain, daughters, Rita Ann Belch of Lorain, and Bernadette Harned of Amherst, 2 grandchildren, Erica Dorrance and Marissa Harned.

He was preceded in death by his parents James and Ada (nee Aguirre) Belch, and a sister Rachel (nee Belch) Garcia.

Friends may call on Sunday, March 4, 2001 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Reidy-Scanlan-Chambers Funeral Home, 2150 Broadway Ave. where a rosary service will be held at 7:15 p.m.

Funeral services will be Monday, March 05, 2001 at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian burial at St. Cyril & Methodius Church, 1709 East 31st St., Lorain with the Rev. Paul Krajnik, Pastor officiating. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Lorain.

Full military honors will be conducted by the V.F. W. Post #451, Lorain.