A Life Remembered
The news of Bob Belden’s passing at 78 has resonated throughout the Canton community, where he was celebrated not only for his athletic exploits but also for his steadfast commitment to civic life. A Memorial Mass is scheduled for May 21, offering friends, family, and admirers a chance to honor a man whose influence stretched from the gridiron to the brick kilns of his family’s enterprise.
Born and raised in Canton, Belden first made his mark at Canton Central Catholic High School, where he excelled as a multi‑sport star and graduated as valedictorian. His early promise earned him a scholarship to the University of Notre Dame, where he became a cornerstone of the 1966 national championship team, a moment still revered by Fighting Irish fans.
After college, Belden embarked on a professional football career that included a historic stint with the inaugural Dallas Cowboys squad that reached the Super Bowl. The experience cemented his reputation as a clutch performer and a leader willing to embrace new challenges, traits that would later define his business trajectory.
Returning to academia, Belden pursued a mathematics major at Notre Dame before earning a graduate degree from the University of Michigan. He then joined 3M in Minneapolis, where he honed his analytical skills before launching a self‑employed venture as a market maker. His entrepreneurial spirit eventually led him back to Ohio, where he assumed a senior role in the family‑owned Belden Brick Company.
Under Belden’s executive guidance, Belden Brick Company grew into the largest family‑owned brick manufacturer in the United States. His leadership was marked by a blend of strategic foresight and a deep respect for the workers who built the company’s reputation. Colleagues recall his hands‑on approach, his willingness to mentor younger staff, and his insistence on quality that mirrored the precision of his athletic days.
Beyond the factory floor, Belden was a familiar face at local charity events, school fundraisers, and board meetings for numerous civic organizations. He served on the boards of the Stark Community Foundation, the Canton Regional Chamber, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival, among others, channeling his passion for community development into tangible projects that improved the lives of residents across Stark County.
Even in his later years, Belden remained active on the court and the field, playing basketball into his 50s and baseball into his 60s — a testament to his enduring competitive spirit. His diverse interests also included a stint as a math major, a passion for market making, and a love of learning that led him to study at the University of Michigan and engage with institutions such as the Chicago Board of Exchange.
The upcoming Memorial Mass will bring together teammates, colleagues, and community leaders to celebrate a life lived with vigor, intellect, and generosity. As the community mourns, many also look forward to carrying forward the legacy of a man who proved that excellence on the field could translate into lasting impact off it.