SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. — John H. Belter Jr. 77, of South Burlington, Vermont died on Tuesday Sept. 15, 2026, at home, following a battle with liver cancer.
He was born on June 12, 1949, in Sharon, Connecticut, the son of John and Doretta Beaupre Belter. He graduated from Housatonic High School and the Ag School at the University of Connecticut. He was married in St. Marks Church in New Canaan, Connecticut to Joyce Nelson.
John and Joyce started their adventure with their own dairy farm by renting a farm in Lakeville, Connecticut just down the road from his family’s homestead. They leased it for three years until they were able to purchase Ethan Allen Farm in South Burlington, Vermont. John enjoyed being able to raise his family on his working dairy farm. He received numerous awards in FFA, the National Corn Growers Association, Farm Bureau, and Jaycees. Being selected as one of four Outstanding Farmers in America in 1984, lead to having breakfast with his family at the White House with President Ronald Regan.
John served on the South Burlington planning commission for many years and was active in the Jaycees, Kiwanis, 4-H Leader and Holstein Fresian Association. John enjoyed many sports including golf, basketball, and tennis.
He is survived by his wife Joyce, his son Todd (Caroline) and his daughter Sarah (Anthony); five grandchildren; Jackson, Brayden, John, Cole, and Hadley; his brothers; Tom (Terry), James (Mindy), Stephen (Lori), and his sister Ann (Steve). John is also survived by Joyce’s sisters, Pam, and Sherry (Ken), along with many other loving family members.
He was predeceased by Jennifer, his daughter, who passed on Sept. 9, 2026, at the age of 49 from Ovarian Cancer, and by his parents.
Visiting hours will be from 2:00 to 4:00 PM on Saturday, September 26, at LaVigne Funeral Home,132 Main Street, Winooski, Vermont. A graveside service will follow at 5:00pm at Merrill Cemetery, Route 15, Colchester (Across from St Michael’s College). In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in John’s name to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.
