Richard George Belz

Richard George Belz Sr., 72, of Maryville, died on Saturday, July 16th, surrounded by his family. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Robert Henry Belz and Rosemary Haggerty-Belz. A life-long sports fan, Richard played basketball at Williamsfield High School, went on to coach basketball and softball, and eventually became an avid supporter of the University of Tennessee Volunteer Football and Basketball teams. Mr. Belz attended Youngstown and John Caroll Universities, and his professional life was marked with the triumphs of optimism which continued to support him through his illness. In 1978, as Mayor of Bartlett IL., he was instrumental in orchestrating the purchase of Bartlett Hills Municipal Golf Course. He was a broker of all manner of investments, from real estate to commodities, stocks and annuities, and in later years, took great pride as a general contractor of fine custom homes. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Robert Belz of Ashtabula, OH. He is survived by his wife, Beverly Belz, his daughters Christine Scardina (Joseph) of Roselle, IL., Catherine Joseph (George) of Warren, OH, his son, Richard Belz Jr. (Milaray) of Louisville, TN, his grandchildren, Anthony Roscoe, Zachary Roscoe, and Lexy Roscoe, along with his sisters, Joan St. Marie of Warren, OH, Janet Brockett (Eugene) of Pierpont, OH, and Judy Szczepinski (Dennis) of Orwell, OH, his Aunt Catherine, Uncle George, many well-loved nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends to pay tribute and celebrate the life of Richard at 12:30PM Thursday, July 21st. at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Maryville. Memorial service at 2:00PM at the church, with burial to follow at Magnolia Cemetery. Arrangements by Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Richard George Belz please visit our Sympathy Store.