John J. "Bubba" Belcher

John J. “Bubba” Belcher, 86, of Braintree, passed away peacefully April 8, 2022. Native of Weymouth, he was one of eight, a son of the late Reginald and Mary (Rielly) Belcher. After marriage to Maria (Nelson) Belcher from Braintree they had three sons. His early jobs were as a taxi driver, for a moving company, and in upholstery; and he played football for the Weymouth town team. He proudly served the Town of Braintree first as an auxiliary police officer then after graduating from the State Police Academy permanently for 32 years until 1995. His storied career earned him letters of commendation and a few close calls. Bubba worked hard and played hard which took a toll on him, and retired earlier than he wished but made the best of his time.

Bubba was a longtime member of the Blue Knights Chapter 1 and had enjoyed weightlifting contests, demolition derbies and Harley-Davidson motorcycle riding. He resided in Brockton for many years where his sons grew up. Later on he lived in Plymouth on Great Herring Pond where he remodeled and constructed his like-new home with Maria. They enjoyed attending Bay Auctions weekly in Buzzards Bay, dining out and taking rides. He was also an auto enthusiast all his life, having owned a variety of makes and models over the decades. With Maria he cared for their beloved pets, especially German Shepherds and Siamese cats. While living in Kingston his devoted wife Maria died unexpectedly in 2008, leaving all her family devastated. Bubba honored her by caring for her last beloved cat Oscar until his passing last year.

Bubba returned to Braintree to reside at Independence Manor 7 years ago and participated at bingo and mealtimes there. He enjoyed daily Dunkin coffee shop visits with old and new friends and dining out with his late dear friend Ethel Pappas. His will to be self-sufficient and enjoy life in spite of his declining mobility was respected by all who knew him. His love of cooking good food kept him going strong.

John joins in eternity his late wife Maria, companion Ethel and siblings Mary D’Andrea, Lillian Bryan, Charles, James, William and Reginald Belcher; he leaves sons John Belcher Jr., his wife Melodee and their family, and James Belcher, all of Florida, and Gregory Belcher and his wife Lisa of Brockton;  grandson Ryan Belcher and his wife Cassandra and granddaughter Julie Nadell and her husband Rick; great-granddaughter Nora Nadell, great-grandsons Silas Belcher and Myles Nadell, sister Kay Rudack and her husband Paul, and many nieces and nephews.

All are welcome to calling hours Tuesday (April 19) 3-7 p.m. at Waitt Funeral Home, 850 North Main St. Brockton, his funeral Wednesday (April 20) from Waitt Funeral Home at 8:45 a.m., funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Francis of Assisi Church, Braintree and burial at Blue Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Braintree Police Officers Association, c/o Det. Christine Lydon, 282 Union St. Braintree MA 02184. 

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