Arthur Cyril “Sam” Belanger, WWII Veteran and Cable Television Pioneer (1925 – 2024)
Arthur Cyril “Sam” Belanger, age 98, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2024, surrounded by his loving family in Williamsburg, Virginia. Born in 1925 in a farmhouse in Plaistow, New Hampshire, Sam’s early life was marked by resilience and determination. Following the death of his mother in 1935, he was taken in and raised by his aunt and her husband in Farmington, New Hampshire. It was here that Sam excelled academically and athletically, laying the foundation for a life full of accomplishment and dedication.
Sam’s love for the game of golf, a passion that would last a lifetime, was introduced to him by his uncle during these formative years. At just 17, driven by a deep sense of duty, Sam joined the U.S. Navy in response to the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the start of World War II. He served honorably aboard the USS Altamaha (CVE 18) until the war’s end and participated in the Pacific Theater of operations to include the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the largest naval wartime engagement in history.
Returning to New Hampshire after the war, Sam attended the University of New Hampshire, graduating in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science in Business. Soon after, he began his career at General Electric (GE) as a clerk in the Somersworth, NH Electric Meter division. It was here that he met Eleanor Jane Lucy of Rochester, New Hampshire, who would become the love of his life and his partner for the next 71 years.
Sam’s career at GE was distinguished and impactful. He held several executive roles in finance and operations within GE’s consumer appliance division in Syracuse, NY. In 1971, Sam was appointed Chief Financial Officer of GE’s newly established GE Cablevision Corp. His leadership and vision led to his promotion to Executive Vice President of Operations. Sam played a crucial role in growing the cable business to over 3 million subscribers, with postings in Schenectady, NY; Westport CT; Montvale, NJ; and Denver, CO. He retired in 1992 as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of United Artists Cable TV after having completed a merger with Liberty Media (predecessor to Tele-Communications, Inc.).
In retirement, Sam settled in Williamsburg, Virginia, where he continued to pursue his love for golf, and discovered a new passion in painting. He spent his golden years creating beautiful oil portraits of his children and grandchildren, seascapes, and other captivating subjects that reflected his keen eye and artistic talent. Sam was also a dedicated volunteer at St. Bede Catholic Church.
Sam is predeceased by his eldest son Robert Russel Belanger (2012) and survived by his beloved wife Eleanor Jane; their three sons, Jeffrey A. Belanger and his wife Susan of Citrus Hills, Florida; Gregory P. Belanger of Arlington, Virginia, and his wife Mai Bunla Belanger; and James D. Belanger of Jupiter, Florida. He also leaves behind nine cherished grandchildren: Jeremy, Matthew, Allison, Emily, John, Diana, Sophie, Trevor, and Tyler; and seven great-grandchildren.
Arthur Cyril “Sam” Belanger lived a life defined by service, love, and dedication to his family and his work. His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him, and his memory will be cherished by those who were fortunate enough to call him husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
The funeral service for Arthur Cyril “Sam” Belanger will be held on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Bede Catholic Church, located at 3686 Ironbound Road, Williamsburg, Virginia. A visitation for family and friends will take place at the church beginning at 10:30 a.m., prior to the service.
Following the service, there will be a private inurnment at Saint Bede on September 4.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Sam’s memory to Saint Jude’s or Saint Bede Catholic Church, causes and missions close to his heart.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared here.
