John Belton

Schenectady- John Belton, 87, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2017. John was born to the late John Belton, Sr. and Annabelle Pitts Belton in Akron, Alabama. At the age of 10, his family moved to Lackawanna, NY, where his father began a career with Bethlehem Steel. After graduating from Lackawanna High School in 1949, John completed an apprenticeship program and became a licensed bricklayer, working the night shift in the Bethlehem Steel Plant for several years. During this time, he spent his days at Erie County Technical Institute completing an associate's degree in Drafting and Design. He continued his studies at Buffalo State Teachers College where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in vocational education. He received his Master of Science degree in Education and an Advanced Degree in Educational Administration from the State University of Buffalo in 1965 and 1966, respectively. John began his teaching career in the Buffalo Public Schools as a vocational education teacher and served at BPS #37 and Woodlawn Junior High School.

In 1966, John relocated with his family to the Capital District where he continued his career in education as a teacher and school administrator. He was known for his love of young people, his ability to pull excellence from both students and staff, and his creative leadership. Upon his retirement, John focused his talent and energy in the administration of Refreshing Spring Christian Academy, Tree of Life Christian Academy, the creation of a co-operative after school program, and the founding of International Charter School of Schenectady.

John was active in the NAACP and worked as a lay minister and elder in the Church for many years, beginning in the Lackawanna Church of God in Christ. He continued his ministry and outreach to prisons and hospitals at Refreshing Spring Church of God in Christ and Higher Ground Worship Center Church of God in Christ in Schenectady, NY. In the 1980's, he became an ordained minister in the Church of God in Christ.

John was an author, an accomplished artist and he also enjoyed a lifelong passion for vocal and instrumental music, playing the piano, the organ, the auto harp, the accordion, the drums, and the trombone. John enjoyed traveling, riding his motorcycle, and inventing things. He was also an entrepreneur, opening the first African American book store in Schenectady.

Among those to welcome John into glory are his parents John and Annabelle Pitts Belton and his only brother, Edward L. Belton. Remaining to rejoice in his homegoing are his loving wife, Doris Baker Belton; his daughter, Jane Belton Burgio (Joseph); his granddaughters Victoria Burgio and Alexandria Burgio; his brothers-in-law Danny Baker and Jerome Baker; close nieces and nephews who flocked to his bedside; many to whom he became a father, including Tammie Weathers, Tanaya Sirmons, Kim Harding, and Freke Vuijst Klein (Daniel); his church family and many friends.

Visitation will be from 10 am to 11 am on Saturday, September 2 at Higher Ground Worship Center COGIC, 803 Stanley Street, Schenectady. A funeral service will be held at 11 am at the church. Burial will follow at Memory Garden's Cemetery in Colonie.

Memorial donations may be made to the John Belton Memorial Fund, Higher Ground Worship Center, 308 Stanley Street, Schenectady, NY 12307.