Rodolph Franklin Belcher
Born July 13, 1940 in Fort Meade, FloridaDeparted January 1, 2024 in Palm Bay, Florida
Rodolph “John” Belcher, 83, passed away on January 1, 2024. He was born July 13, 1940, in Fort Meade, Florida. John was a United States Navy veteran, a member of the United States Veterans Motorcycle Club, a Road Captain of the local Harley Owners Group, and a member of the Harley-Davidson Patriot Guard.
He is preceded in death by his father Willy Belcher, his mother Ida Belcher, three brothers Jim, Ralph, and Earl and two sisters Wilma and Joyce. John is survived by his loving wife of 38 years Colleen Belcher, four sons Robert (Michelle), Bill, Ron (Heidi), and Richard (Kay), two stepsons David (Amy) and Jeremy (Gina), many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
John began his life in Florida, where he spent most of his years, but also lived in Alabama, California, and during his military service in Japan and Hawaii. He had a distinguished career spanning almost four decades with Publix Super Market. His hard work and determination over the years helped him manage multiple different stores and hundreds of employees. John also managed Publix’s first food and pharmacy location in Altamonte Springs, Florida. He was beloved by his employees and customers throughout his career.
He truly enjoyed social times with family and friends, riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle with his wife Colleen, playing golf, watching the Miami Dolphins while yelling at the TV, and singing country music while playing his guitar. John became a private pilot in 1998 and flew small aircraft for many years. He could tell a great joke, colorful stories, was the life of the party, and will be missed by so many.
A funeral at the Sarasota National Cemetery and celebration of life will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, January 15, 2024, in Sarasota, Florida. Charitable donations can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation:
