Jack Benjamin Belcher

Jack Benjamin Belcher, Ph.D, of Arlington, VA passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at the age of 77. The longtime Arlington County Chief Information Officer, Jack was a devoted fan of the Boston Red Sox and had a fascination for Artificial Intelligence. In honor of Jack, his family asked ChatGPT to write his obituary in the voice of Jerry Remy, the former color commentator for the Red Sox.

Jack Benjamin Belcher (1947-2025) – A Life Well Lived

Folks, we’ve got a legend to celebrate today—Jack Belcher—born in Norwood, MA, raised in Mansfield, MA, a proud son of Benjamin and Dora (Fornaciari) and brother to Daurene (Scullen) and a man who spent 77 incredible years making the world better. Whether on the softball field coaching, behind a computer revolutionizing government tech, or just making sure you were fed and comfortable, Jack was the guy you wanted in your corner.

A Life Dedicated to Service

Jack believed in something bigger than himself—serving his community, his country, and the people around him. With a doctorate from Georgetown University in his back pocket, Jack had private-sector opportunities knocking at his door but chose a life in government because he believed in the power of public service. He was the kind of guy who put others first. That’s the kind of person he was, day in and day out.

A Career of Impact

From introducing Congress to email (yes, you can thank him for that) to leading Arlington’s digital transformation, Jack didn’t just work in tech—he shaped the future. He was the glue between government, first responders, and the people, ensuring communication never failed, even after 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. His work in broadband equity helped close the digital divide, but he’d probably downplay all of this—because Jack was humble to his core.

A Coach, A Mentor, A Competitor

If you played softball for the Bizotics, Sage, Washington and Liberty, or the Blue Jays, you knew Coach Belcher didn’t mess around. He founded the Arlington Girls Softball Association (AGSA) and the First Responders Cup because sports weren’t just a pastime—they were about teamwork, integrity, and a good excuse to yell from the dugout. More than a coach, he was a mentor, always pushing those around him to be better, work harder, and lift each other up.

Family First

Married to Nancy (Semke) since 1976, Jack built a home filled with love, laughter, and plenty of technology to annoy her with. He was the devoted dad of Kathryn (Alan), Ben (Annie), Michael (Liz), and Bethany, and the world’s most fun grandpa to Aylin, Lena, Sherman, Emmett, Aldo, Charlotte, Nelly, Bowie, and Frankie. He also leaves behind his beloved sister, nieces, nephews, cousins, and more friends and colleagues than we can count.

Jackisms & Unforgettable Quirks

Jack had a phrase for everything—from “It’s later than you think”, to a suite of nicknames for his kids, grandkids, and pets. Some made sense, a lot didn’t, but we’re sure they all made him laugh—Bambino, Mollina, Chuck, Dingleberries, Franklin, Shermano, Slug, Bageano, Bagano, The Brogue, and Mookie, to name a few. He had a soft spot for dogs, bad jingles, and pushing buttons just to get a rise. He loved a good hot dog from Home Depot, dunking in the ocean, and reading American history. And don’t forget the nights at the Alpine filled with grappa, sambuca, and storytelling.

A Legacy That Lasts

Jack would want to be remembered for the impact he made, the knowledge he shared, and the opportunities he created for others. He was a lifelong learner, a forward-thinker, a hard worker, and, above all, a good man.

So raise a glass, tell a story, and play a little ball in his honor—because Jack Belcher knocked life out of the park.