February 25, 2025

I coached with Bill for many years at Upper Merion. I will forever value our early morning conversations before race days. I have never meet anyone before or since with such an unwavering dedication to the young men in his charge. He truly shaped lives not only as a coach but as a mentor. His wisdom, patience, and belief in others became the foundation for countless boat successes. Bill’s legacy lives on in every rower (and fellow coach) he helped grow, inspire, and push to successes on the river and off. I offer my condolences to Andy and Bill, your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Matt Snyder

February 05, 2025

While I have many HS memories of Mr Belden, I fondly remember running into both Mr & Mrs Belden in ’99 in St Catharines as they watched Bill Jr compete as the US Lwt 1x at the Worlds and then in ’00 at the IRA’s watching Andy win gold for Cornell.   On both occasions, the Belden’s were beaming with pride watching their boys compete.  Both were very nice moments to be able to share with them.   My deepest condolences to Andy and Bill and you are in my thoughts and prayers.  
Tim Carey

February 02, 2025

Bill and I shared the U.M. Boathouse in high school and later in life in the 80’s into the 90’s before he moved west.  He encouiraged my return to rowing he lent me his single for my first competitive Master’s single in June of 1985 at that year’s Schuylkill Navy Regatta.  I rolled that boat on my way back to Fairmount that day.  We would many times be in singles on the river in Upper Merion early mornings before that became a thing in the 90’s.  He helped organize and charter the Upper Merion Boat Club for Competitive and Recreational Rowing and shared his wisdom with me which allowed me to share and teach the love of rowing with many as the 2nd and then 20 year Commodore of UMBCCRR and the founder of the King’s Head Regatta.  During those years of collaboration at the UM Boathouse, as he coached U.M. High School sculling,  the boatclub grew and Bill was always available to share his experience and support the program.  Our family paths and sons crossed also on the kids Soccer Field with coach Jim Baxter (UMHS’ first crew coach).  Bill and Cathy and Billy and Andy loved Suzy Joe Donuts and one of the last times I saw Bill was there or at the Little Sicily Restaurant.  Row in Peace Bill as you row endless heavenly sun rises and sunsets as you look down on the Schuylkill River.  I will forever take every stroke in your memory.
ANASTASIOS TOM G PAPPANASTASIOU

February 02, 2025

Andy and Bill my deepest condolences. Mr Belden was not only a coach but a mentor. The years we spent every morning  from February to May – to port Indian and back and up and back again … and again, Sundays at the Manny Flicks, Indianapolis –  are forever imprinted in my memories. Such a good man! 
Brian Gibbs

February 01, 2025

Throughout my life, and across multiple sports, I have never even heard of a coach who was both likable and able to motivate us to be the best we could be. He taught us how to be scullers, and while we were training, he would be out on the water with us in his single.  In addition to teaching us how to row, he instilled an ethic that not only contributed to my growth as a man, but an ethic I carry to this day.
Bill will never be forgotten, and I offer my deepest condolences to his family and close friends.
Sincerely,
 
Steve Scheetz

February 01, 2025

I am so sad to hear of Bill’s passing.  Andy and Bill, you and your families are in my thoughts and prayers.  I am so grateful that your father was convinced to coach rowing at Upper Merion.  He literally changed lives by doing so.  I enjoyed his mentorship as a rower and later as a fellow coach.  His willingness to spend summers training us and taking trips to Indianapolis and Canada were above and beyond the duties of a normal high school coach.  My memories of crew and my time with your dad will always hold a special place in my heart.  God bless!  
Tom Ferlick

January 31, 2025

Bill Belden Comrade on the river.   Rest in Peace,    Sean Drea

January 28, 2025

I am so saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. I first met Bill in February of 1981 at Fairmount RA which I had recently joined when he came to pickup his single so that he could row upriver closer to where he lived.  While I was aware of his many accomplishments in the sport, his prematurely gray hair belied his status as one of the greatest scullers to ever represent this country. Needless to say, confirmation of his greatness would come watching him do his 10 mile pieces at 29 strokes per minute throughout the spring.  That summer at the Nationals I remember watching him and Larry Klecatsky win both elite double sculls events notwithstanding that the races started only 20 minutes apart.  And I also remember seeing Bill fishing with his two young sons while the rest of us were getting stressed out over upcoming races. Bill eventually agreed to race for Fairmount in 1982 and I was privileged to race with him in several events at both the 82 and 83 Nationals, including in the elite quad sculls, the last of his many victories in the Nationals.  Bill was always willing to share his knowledge of the sport and encourage us.  He was both an inspiration and a legend.  I extend my condolences to Bill’s family and friends.
Jim Crowley

January 27, 2025

My competitive rowing was a decade or so ago earlier than Bill’s, so we never raced against each other. I admired his incredible accomplishments as a top world class sculler, had the pleasure of meeting him on occasion and celebrate his huge contributions to the sport of rowing.
Don Spero

January 27, 2025

Claire and I feel so fortunate to have been friends with Bill and Cathy, especially during the years Bill and were both competing. Bill was the best contemporary sculler I had the good fortune to know and always a fierce but modest and gracious competitor and a loyal friend to many,
Our thoughts are with their sons, Bill and Andy, and the other members of the family,
Erik Meyers
 

January 27, 2025

Pound for pound the best sculler and overall second best to Jimmy Deitz of our generation 
A world champion in the lightweight single
 
Chuck Hewitt

January 26, 2025

Sorry to hear the news.  I met Bill in 1974 when we both enjoyed victory at the World Rowing Championships in Lucerne.  He was a classy guy who made everybody feel welcome.  While I never crossed paths again with Bill, anytime I mentioned his name in rowing conversations, there nothing but respect and fond memories.  Bill, you’ve crossed the finish line, now let it run.
Eric Aserlind

January 26, 2025

Dear Beldons. we are sorry for your loss but know your son Bill will now be in a better place. You have been amazing parents to your 8 children and we were proud to get to know you when Posie babysat for us. God bless you & your family.
Bob and Judy Giangrandi

January 26, 2025

My experience in knowing Bill was working at Farmers First Bank. I remember one of my  interactions was in the bank parking lot.  He seemed to appear out of nowhere heading in my direction to say “I’d appreciate your thoughts on a matter”.  I found that he appreciated people and valued their opinions.  He was a great example for us all to “listen more” to others and build relationships.
Bob Enck

January 26, 2025

Bill mentored hundreds of us. By example.
– Jack

January 25, 2025

Bill was an inspiration to rowers throughout the world and especially to those that rowed with him or under his tutelage. He touched many rowers and I had the privelage of coaching with his son Andy and learning some great training tips used by World Champion Bill. I’ll never forget the steady state rows on the Schuylkill mornings,when Bill would leisurely row away from  those of us who would be going much harder than steady state, just to try to stay close to him. Best of all Bill was a true Gentleman in every sense of the word.
Chuck Crawford

January 24, 2025

My condolences to the Belden Family …So sorry to hear about Bill…I had the pleasure of meeting him in 1976 when he was training with Larry Klecatsky and again in Montreal after their race…All these years later I still remember their hilarious rowing stories and Bill and Cathy, two truly outstanding people. RIP….Jamie

January 24, 2025

I knew Bill very briefly as a member of the national lightweight team competing at the World Championships in Lucerne in 1974. As a member of the eight, our paths rarely crossed, but I do remember some conversations with Bill on the dock and in the boathouse. He was self-effacing, humble, and always exhibited exemplary sportsmanship and class. And what a competitor he was!
The cover of “The Oarsman” that fall after the racing famously had the following headline: “Taking The Gold Out of Switzerland,” with Bill and the two eights (lights and heavy) featured, all of whom won gold. Also, Jim Dietz won the silver in the heavy single and the lightweight four won bronze. Not sure there has ever been a more successful regatta for US men since then. Bill was unquestionably one of the leaders of our team and a model and inspiration for how to compete.
Our championship eight returned to Lucerne this fall for a ceremonial row on the Rotsee on the exact day of our victory 50 years before. Bill’s name came up frequently and always with the utmost admiration and respect, reinforcing the deep bond that all oarsmen, especially lightweights, share regardless of high school, college, or even national affiliation.
Take up the stroke, Bill, and give us your best power ten. We’ll have to look over our shoulders to catch a glimpse of you always ahead of us. RIP
David B.Harman

January 24, 2025

Mr. Belden was my high school sculling coach. He would always bring a fishing rod in his launch to sneak a few casts while we were turning our boats around for the next grueling piece, or to just give our pulses a minute to settle.
Having been a legendary rower, tremendously successful in his banking career, and dedicated to his family, he had so much to impart as a coach and mentor. To this day in my personal and professional life, I continue to reflect on the wisdom he shared with my teammates and me. Thank you, Mr. Belden, for positively influencing me and so many other lives. Sean Carey (Class of 87)

January 24, 2025

I did not know Bill, but thought this factoid might be worth sharing with the family. We regularly do an exercise called “Beldens” during winter training, with Yale’s Lightweight Crew. I am told it was named after Bill. Generations of young oarsmen know the name. 
Ned DelGuercio

January 24, 2025

As one of the originals on that one year High School crew team, Bill was and remained a friend and inspiration for me as he was for many others. I am shocked and saddened by his passing. He will be missed. 
Bob Miller

January 24, 2025

My heart is heavy with Bill’s passing. A 1979 and 1980 teammate, he was a gentleman and just a great guy. I am keeping his family in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary O’Connor

January 24, 2025

Condolences from the British rowing team of the late 70s and early 80s
Chris De La Hunty

January 23, 2025

I always thought it was cool to have an Olympian from the old King of Prussia neighborhood. Condolences to the entire Beldon family for the loss of Bill.
Our prayers are with you.
Joan OBrien

January 23, 2025

I worked with Bill at Susquehanna Bank for about a dozen years, don’t think there was anyone there that didn’t like him and appreciated his thoughts on our banking issues.  Our son was in high school at the time, and when Bill and Cathy went on vacation he woiuld dog sit for their beloved beagle, Scully, named for one of the characters in the X-Files they loved to watch.  He was good for the bamk and good for Lancaster and is missed.  Jerry and Karen Chase

January 23, 2025

Bill and I were grade school classmates and neighborhood friends in our King of Prussia days. I have many wonderful memories of Bill and the Belden family. My prayers and condolences to all of you.
Michael Fitzgereald

January 23, 2025

Geat race Bill   Nobody did it better than you .  You and Larry K were great competitors that we always loved to race against.
rest in peace.  the race is finished
sean

January 23, 2025

Growing up on Boathouse Row as so many of us did, Bill Beldon was a rowing hero!He was always a gentleman , very humble but a true champion in every way! Somebody that I always looked up to , an inspiration to a  young high school sculler.
my very best to the Belden family …….. RIP Billy !
John Henwood

January 23, 2025

I first met Bill at the 2K starting line at the 1967 NAAO NationalChampionship Regattahere in Philadelphia.  It was the Senior 150#Single event, heat 1.
I had a succesful weekend, racing known older college guys but there was an unknown guy over in lane 1 of this heat. From lane 3, I could see his every move.  Two to qualify, and NYAC’s Jon Sonberg won our heat and also the Final. I qualified, but just barely. The dark horse in lane 1 fought hard and pushed me to exhaustion. I remember thinking, “Who is this guy; where did he come from?”
That was the last time I finished ahead of Bill Belden. The year 1974 saw Bill Belden winning the World LW Singles title in Lucern. He could be seen in his orange VW beetle coming and going in both the morning and evening, training before and after work at Provident Bank.  Over the years we became good friends as fellow high school coaches.  Always giving   his all.
Tom Henwood

January 23, 2025

I always called Bill” Champ”, because he was one in every sense of the word. We rowed together for 20 plus years and worked together at PNC for 20 years. I’ll miss him. My deepest condolences to his family for this loss of a truly great guy. 
John Campbell

January 23, 2025

My condolences to the Beldon family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May Bill and Larry meet again in heaven. He was a fond  friend. Best regards 
Susan 

January 23, 2025

I was blessed to be teammates on the National Rowing Team with Bill in 78 & 79 and we were co-recipients of the 1979 Veterns Award from the NYAC.
I loved Bill, I trained with Bill and he was my friend who along with Dr Larry and Jimmy Dietz were my Rowing Super Heroes!
I’m grateful and blessed to have competed with Bill and against him 🙏🇺🇸
Frank Louis Pisani

January 23, 2025

I read this with great sadness.  Bill was first a friend and tutor, and sometimes a competitor. Fortuantely, he stayed a lightweight.  He juggled banking, his family and roiwng at a high level seamlessly and put up with us kids.  He was a great companion and teammate.
Gregg Stone

January 23, 2025

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Belden family. I have wonderful memories of all of you in our childhood days back in King Of Prussia! Bill was always such an inspiration to us younger kids with his  amazing athletic performances.  I wish your family great peace as you mourn a fine man!
marguerite Fitzgerald

January 23, 2025

Remember Bill rowing at Elk Lake in Waymart many years ago. So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers. 
Lisa (Nepa) Gillette

January 23, 2025

I got to know Bill at Undine beginning in 1970.
In short, Just a Good Guy and a Determined Athlete (even though he was “only” a Lightweight!
Yep, Trash Talk even all these years later!!
What more can be said after that wonderful recap of a Great Guy with a Great Family
Sadden by his passing, Mike Bergen

January 23, 2025

Heartfelt condolences to the family on the loss of your loved one. Bill sounds like he was a kind and extraordinary man, may he rest in eternal peace.
Caroline Aguilar

January 22, 2025

So sorry my condolences to the entire family. Prayers. Mike Nepa 

January 22, 2025

I am so sorry to hear of his passing but glad he is again with his beloved wife.  I met Nill when I was 6, and he sometimes played kick the can in the driveway with us younger kids.  The Beldon family was wonderful and treated us kids as a part of the family as we all grew up together in a very family oriented neighborhood.  I never knew about his wonderful accomplishments as a rower or of his coaching at UM, but it makes me proud to know how much he accomplished in his lifetime.  My deepest sympathy to all the siblings, family members, and friends.  May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
Nancy Kulp

January 22, 2025

Posie,Dana & the rest of the Belden crew I am sorry for your lose. What a beautiful story his life was from what I just learned. May you find peace in knowing he is with his wife and your parents for eternity. God love ya. Maureen Maxey.

January 22, 2025

also as a 14 year old at NYAC i met Bill when he was the reigning world champion. Very down to earth and friendly. seems like just a few years ago i was watching Bill speed down the race course at princeton around 36 to 38 strokes a minute racing sometimes with and sometimes.against larry kleckatsky and scott roop and paul fuchs. I just assumed that he would be going strong until the age of 120. sure going to miss you Bill.
James McGowan

January 22, 2025

I met Bill when I was 13 or 14 at the NYAC. Greatness tempered by humility is how I would describe him. In the limited time that I knew him, I saw the gentleman and the fiece competitor.  Loved growing up at the NYAC boathouse and watching the greats of that era. Sadness fills my soul with each loss.  Condolences to the Belden Family.
Scot Killen