Henry Joseph Belanger

Henry J. Belanger, 87, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2023, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough, ME. He was born on November 9, 1935 to Stanislas and Marie Anne (Guillemette) Belanger in Sanford, ME. Henry attended Holy Family Catholic School and was a devout member of the parish. With a strong work ethic from the beginning, Henry began woodworking when he was very young crafting lawn furniture. He was also employed at the Sanford racetrack, local shoe mill, a finish carpenter with Ben Guillemette cabinets and moved on to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard from where he retired. Henry was drafted into the Army in 1958 where he proudly served for two years. When he returned from the service, he married the love of his life, Kathleen, and together they raised three children. As a talented carpenter he was able to build his own home and share his knowledge. He was always ready to assist the family with projects, home remodels, and just spend time together. Henry traveled to many places with his beloved wife and dearest friends. He especially adored being with his 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He found joy in the simple pleasures— For a time, he had a hobby farm and enjoyed working the land. He engaged in lively conversations with his friends, sharing memories and hearty laughs on his porch. Henry loved fireworks at Square Pond, Saturday morning coffee solving the world’s problems, and enjoyed the view of the Blue Ridge mountains at Liberty Lodge. In his later years, he was entertained by country music, western movies and playing cribbage. He was also an avid fan of the Red Sox, New England Patriots, and Nascar Racing (mostly Dale Earnhart). During retirement, Henry was known for the quality craftsmanship of his picnic tables and Adirondack chairs. There are many local establishments and homeowners in the area that have them. He was proud to support the St Thomas School along with other worthy causes with donations of his craft. Henry was a devoted husband. When his wife Kathleen became ill, he lovingly took on the important role of caring for her and ensured that all of her needs were met. Henry’s children and grandchildren were never lacking of love and support from him. He was a wonderful man whose entire family was blessed to have him. Father, brother, uncle, pepere and friend, he will be dearly missed by all. He is predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Kathleen Belanger, and his brothers Leo Belanger, Emile Belanger and Roland Belanger. His legacy continues with his daughter Diane Berthiaume and her husband Brian of Virginia Beach, VA, sons Paul Belanger of Acton and Mark Belanger and his wife Corinna of Sanford, grandchildren Erin Schindel of San Diego, CA, Matthew Berthiaume of Madison, WI, Melissa Belanger of Saco, Sean Belanger of Acton, Caitlynn McGinn of Sanford, Thomas McGinn and his wife Alyssa of Shapleigh, Alex Belanger of Sanford, Sisters Irene Melanson of Sanford, Rose Melanson of Sanford, Lorraine Thibodeau of Sanford, Brothers Gerard Belanger of Sanford, and Raymond Belanger of Waterboro, great grandchildren, Ava McGinn and Scarlett McGinn, as well as many nieces, and nephews. The family would like to extend tremendous gratitude to his brother, Raymond Belanger for his outstanding care and support. Also, special thanks to Tina, Mike, Larry and Wendy and the staff of Hospice of Southern Maine for their compassion and service to our loved ones. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church, 66 North Ave, Sanford with a burial following at the Southern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Springvale. Those planning on expression of sympathy please consider a donation to Hospice of Southern Maine, 390 US Route One, Scarborough, Maine 04074 or online at hospiceofsouthernmaine.org. Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale. To leave a message of condolence for the family click on Henry's Remember Page.