Daniel P. Belda

Daniel Phillip Belda was born in Chicago, Illinois on August 23, 1948 – he passed on peacefully in Cleveland, Ohio on January 20, 2021 of natural causes. He is survived by his two sons Dean (Mickey) and Brett (Brittany nee Krekeler); his future grandson Brody James (due in July 2021); his ex-wife Bonnie (nee Radgowski) Belda; and his brother and sister, David and Elizabeth “Betsy” Bauer.

Born in Chicago, Dan grew up outside of Pittsburg, PA in Mt. Lebanon before the family moved to their permanent home in Shaker Heights, near Cleveland Ohio. Reluctant as he was to attend Valley Forge Military Academy for high school (as though he had a choice), he was a proud graduate of the class of 1966. Followed by a bachelors’ degree from Kent State University (Go Golden Flashes!) in accounting in 1972, he also earned his CPA license post-baccalaureate. In his adult life, Dan was an avid fisherman and man of the numbers – a wickedly savvy accountant for many. Dan considered himself the “most interesting man in the world” (see Google). He enjoyed any James Bond feature, and was even deemed “too clever” (or overconfident) to appear on Jeopardy – although he was considered as a candidate for the show. He was a devout fan and enjoyed answering all of Alex Trebek’s trivia gleefully before the contestant could even begin to think of the answer. Dan, a licensed pilot, would have preferred to spend all of his time in the air rather than on the ground. He was qualified to pilot many types of aircrafts, but the Cessna was his favorite. In addition to these highlights, he had an utter fascination with the state of Alaska. Any-thing Alaskan was Dan’s thing. He also enjoyed many fishing and golf expeditions for quality time with his sons Mickey and Brett. Dan’s life was a winding road, but he always found his way in the end – his perseverance served as an inspiration and light for others struggling on their own path. One of his most proud and prized possessions was his 19-year medallion. He will be missed dearly by the all kinds-of-kinds who loved him. Fly high, Dan. 

The family will be having a memorial picnic and Catholic service in honor and celebration of Dan’s life on Saturday August 28th and 29th, 2021. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Dan’s memory to the Ed Keating Center (https://www.edkeatingcenter.org/you-can-help-2/)