Obituary of Mason Stoddard Belden

Mason Stoddard Belden, 90, of East Woodstock, died Sunday in the Westview Health Center, Killingly. He was husband of Shirley (Pond) Belden. Born June 16, 1915 in Newington, son of the late Charles W. and Gertrude (Stoddard) Belden. He was a Game Biologist working for the State of Connecticut Fish & Game Department for over 30 years. He retired July 1, 1977. He received a Master’s degree in Wildlife Management from Massachusetts State College (UMASS) in 1946, a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry from Connecticut State College (UCONN) in 1937, and was a graduate of New Britain High School. He was a veteran of World War II, serving with the US Army from 1943 to 1945 in the European Theater. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his great grandchildren, who brought such pleasure to his life in his later years. He enjoyed his work in the outdoors of Connecticut. He and his wife raised Morgan horses for over 20 years. He leaves, in addition to his wife Shirley of 66 years, a son; Charles P. Belden of Eastford, daughters; Penny B. Black of Troy, MT, Mary Elizabeth B. Rival of Lebanon, six grandchildren; Krystina, Elizabeth, Peter, Jennifer, Deborah, Chad, ten great grandchildren; Josie, Jessica, Owen, Julianna, Alexander, Marissa, Nicholas, Kayleigh, Bryony, Kyle. He was predeceased by two sisters; Barbara Belden, Mary Elizabeth Anderson. A Memorial Service will be held Friday, June 9th, at 2:00 PM at the East Woodstock Congregational Church, 220 Woodstock Road, East Woodstock, CT. Memorial donations may be made in Mason’s memory to DKH Homemakers, 320 Pomfret Street, Putnam, CT 06260, National Wildlife Federation, 11100 Wildlife Center Drive, Reston, VA 20190, or the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, F1 – 17, Chicago, IL 60601. To share a memory with his family, “Light a Candle” at www.smithandwalkerfh.com