I was just a young central station operator and Joe would always ask me to do things for him. Made work a lot more fun for me after all the repetition of central. Sad to hear he is gone. Gravitated to me and was always looking out for me. I appreciated him.

I miss Joe and think of him often. I met him in the late 1970s and were friends to the end. I wish he was still here.

Monique, you may not remember me. You last saw me way back in the early 80’s. This goes back to the days when you first married Joe and he was involved with Southern Alarm & Julio Portuondo. I was part of Southern Alarm. I went to your wedding I remember the Yankee Clipper. I later visited your house on several occasions. All was good until one day I had a huge fight with Julio’s father and for the best, quit. Never saw Julio again. I ran into Joe once or twice but never again. 
For no reason at all I just thought of Joe and googled his name. To my disappointment I came across his obituary as saw the option of leaving you a message. Monique, he was not at all like Julio. He was a good man, I can’t say that about Julio. I’ve thought of Joe numerous times throughout the years. I moved to the Florida Keys close to 30 yrs. ago and I remember when you guys lived on the waterway. I now live on the ocean. Well not to drag this out, may he rest  in peace, I’m sorry to know he’s gone. 
This might help you remember. This was me then. 

You were my mentor Joe I should of called you more often may God have you in his grace.

My dad was and is still the most single most amazing dad there is! His spirit will always remain alive! He brought much joy to those who he knew and crossed paths with. I miss him dearly but know one day we will be reunited again. I love you, daddy! 

I first got to know Joe when we shared a ride to Naples for a Devcon conference years ago.  He spent the entire drive talking about his family.  He told me how he and Monique met and how he wooed her with his ice skating prowess.  He so admired Monique’s nursing, caregiving and singing accomplishments. He was madly in love. Joe was extremely proud of Jason and his work for the company and Kathleen was Daddy’s little girl.

Joe didn’t need to work but he had so much knowledge, satisfaction and pride in what he did that he didn’t want to stop.  When Joe talked with a customer, he treated them like royalty.  He told us about how he would sing to them—how could they resist!  Joe was beaming when he regularly came into the office, delivering stacks of contracts for his big sales. I’m so thankful he eventually had some extra time on the golf course where I’m sure he continued his winning ways.

Joe was extremely thoughtful, sensitive and caring under his tough persona.  He often stopped by my office to chat and expressed his sincere concern for people and world events. Of course, he left his coffee cup behind every time!  Joe didn’t care about being politically correct.  He called me “Blondie” and I didn’t mind a bit.  I’m proud to have known him and was truly heartbroken to hear the news.

Just a few short months ago, Joe was there to comfort me in my loss.  Now, again in disbelief, I can only express my deep sadness and most sincere condolences to you Monique, Jason and Kathleen in hopes of comforting you.  Remembering you Joe Belch—a truly awesome guy!



I was  deeply saddened to learn of  his passing.

Joe  interviewed me back in the early 90’s.
He was a bit intimidating, asked for my best, and hired me.  People thought he was a little abrasive but he was a kind of heart and gave people a chance to shine.

He was an amazing man, who loved what he did and had a great sense of humor.
I  will miss him!

My sincere condolences to his family.

May the heavens embrace you!

Thank you, Gene Napolitano, for catalyzing the Guardian reunion that gave many of us the opportunity to see this wonderful man one more time.  One last chance to see him work the room, making people smile, and reminding us how much we enjoyed his company.  Know that you are missed, Joe. 

I have read the many beautiful notes expressing memories of how Joe loved his family and how professionally he performed his job over the years, however, there was one other love that Joe had in his life that cannot be ignod in his passing.  That love was the game of GOLF!
I was fortunate to have been invited to play golf with Joe and a few other guys along the way starting some years ago.  For several years, we played golf three days each week mostly at the Pompano Beach Pines and Palms Golf Courses.  It was obvious throughout this time of Joe's life how much he loved being out there with the guys.
The most amazing thing to me about Joe's  golf experience was that, to my knowledge, he never asked anyone to record his strokes on any hole and therefore we never knew what his total score was for any round.  He, like the rest of us "Duffer's" would have good strokes, good putts, good holes, bad holes, many lost balls but seldom a good round. He simply didn't care what the score was but loved being out there with the guys.  Thanks for the memories Joe.

I had the pleasure of working with Joe for many years with Devcon. We were fellow salesmen, smoke buddies and friends.  So, I had plenty of opportunities to hear his collection of jokes, talk shop, and eagerly listen to his many life stories (often the same one multiple times). I always considered him as not only a friend, but as a father figure because he would give me advice that you knew came from his heart and with the best of intentions.
However, the one thing I will never forget about Joe is that he was a hummer and a singer. He always seemed to have a tune in his head and in his heart.  Although I may not remember now the melodies or words that I heard when he was near, his ability to express his internal song soothed me then and guides me now with his passing.  Sing on Joe!

I had the pleasure of knowing Joe for 18 years.  He was one of a kind.  What comes to mind when thinking of Joe is all the funny moments working with him.  Joe came up in a time before there was any such thing as political correctness and he completely opted out.   He could and would say the most outrageous things that made me laugh both then and now.  Once when still new to Guardian, Joe found me in the warehouse putting away equipment.  He said women didn’t belong in the warehouse.  I ignored him and he told me to get out.  He said he wasn’t going to help and he wasn’t going to watch so I needed to come back when he wasn’t there.  A few years later, positions and titles shifted and Joe became my boss.  When I asked if he had a problem with my working for him, he said no.  He’d gotten used to my being a woman.  From Joe that was high praise!  
  
Joe really had a heart of gold.  He would tell stories of courting Monique and their ice skating and falling in love.  He loved and was so proud of his son Jason.  He would talk of him as a baby and share his accomplishments in school, college, and career.  Joe adored his daughter Kathleen and always wanted her to be happy.  I still remember him beaming while she held puppet shows in his office window.  I can only imagine how he would have doted on his little granddaughter.  

Joe was a positive force in the lives of so many.  I hope knowing this helps bring comfort to his family.



Dear Monique, Jason & Kathleen,

I was  so sad to hear of Joe's passing. Both Harold & I had fond memories of  spending time with Joe.  We shared so many lunches together over the years.

Joe was always talking about Monique being Canadian and we would share stories about Montreal, as I too grew  up in Canada.

Joe adorned our family and we  loved his family as well.

Working with Joe was a joy, he loved a good challenge  and was always  positive he would get the sale.   He always did!
 
Monique, Jason, Kathleen  - your great husband and Dad was the best.  I will always think of his kindness and devotion.

Please accept my sincere  condolences.
With love and sympathy,

Sheilah Ginsburg

It doesn't get much better than Joe Belch. He was a renaissance man with a heart of gold. The more time Joe and I spent together, the more amazed I'd be of not only all that he accomplished but of all the things in life he had done.  From the stories of New York City and the horse stables to working on military planes to his history in the alarm industry, Joe was always able to deliver a captivating story. 

No story however, compared to the way Joe would light up when speaking of Monique, Kathleen, and Jason. It always seemed that being a husband and a father was Joe's favorite part of life.

My condolences to Joe's family and friends. You will be missed pal.

Sitting in my office and looking out the window at the “guitar” thinking back to when Joe asked me for a favor and walk the inspector for the final at rickys swimwear when the Hard Rock was first opening.... He was the only person I could talk to about the incredible position that was offered to me just after my father passed. He gave me that “JBS” Joe Belch Special Smile and told me to quit this shit show and go for it. One of the hardest but best decision in my life. 

At the reunion last year he actually remembered that day was my birthday. He gave me a kiss and said “he was proud of me” when telling him some of my war stories and what an incredible career I now have.

Joe, you were a true inspiration and will forever hold a soft spot in my heart.

See ya on the other side my dear friend.


I’m so very sorry to hear about Joe’s passing. 

You just loved Joe. He was one in a million, with a heart of gold. Never ever short of a story or an opinion, he was full of life. He had a fabulous laugh and a great big smile when telling a story.  I will cherish those long conversations at Guardian, where he taught me about security business and shared all those crazy stories…all-true!
I could always hear him and Harold talking… hallways away – it was legendary.

I loved hearing about his beautiful wife and family who he just loved and cherished. I feel like I knew everything about High School with Jason and Middle School with Kathleen.  

Going on sales calls to the Seybold building, meeting his clients was just the best. For over 35+ years, he developed a kind and wonderful rapport with all his clients. He knew everything about his clients, and their families.  They all welcomed and respected Joe, he was truly more than their trusted security expert; he was part of their family too.

My sincere and heartfelt condolences to Monique, Jason, Kathleen and Emily.  He will be so missed. 

With Love & Sympthay, 
Rhonda 
 


I have known Joe since the 1970s as a competitor, coworker, and most of all as a true friend. Joe always referred to me as "Brother David."  I admired him greatly and was deeply saddened to learn of his passing. My sincere condolences to his family.

Joe was a man of Integrity who stood up to challenges in the ever-changing industry we were in. Hell, of a salesman, who said what he was thinking especially when you didn't ask, sometimes abrasive, strong willed with a compassionate heart that so few of us got to see.
No matter the task or how many cups of coffee it took, Joe was determined to succeed and that he did time and time again.
So many of us that started way back when remember those big flashing Gibraltar accounts and Joe's hard ball hard working legacy.
But I also remember something else.........How this tough brass tacks owner and big account salesman had the most sensitive compassionate side about him. The side of him that beamed when he talked about his son and how smart he was. How he dropped everything, no matter what or where, when his daughter called. Or when he talked about how he met his wife and knew that she was the one. The side of him that was kind of a John Wayne but we only got to see a picture of it. When he went down memory lane and was never too big to give thanks about the kind things that people did for him and his family. How he reached in his pocket to help someone in need without thinking twice. 
I was and will be forever thankful for those moments that I was able to see, share, and know.
My dear Joe you will be missed but forever loved.
May the angels embrace you with everlasting love and a fresh cup of coffee wherever you stand to watch over us


I met Joe shortly after Guardian and Gibraltar joined forces.  Harold hired me to run the central station.  Joe and I didn't always see eye to eye (literally and figuratively); however, over time, we grew to respect each other.  The things I admired most about Joe was that he was always one of the first ones to arrive in the morning, he was very hands-on, showing up on jobs, able to help and make decisions and always available for a sales call.  He didn't leave until all was settled for the day and he was always available by phone.  He knew everyone's names and he would always acknowledge people, even when he was busy being upset ( ha ha ha).  His customers loved him.  He brought a lot of high-end business to Guardian and demanded the best out of people.  By his actions, he encouraged others to go above and beyond.  The alarm business was not just a job, but his passion, his life.  I didn't get to hear most of his stories, but I did hear a lot about his kids,  and his Sunday golf game (he make sure to tell me he went to church on Saturday afternoon so that he could play golf on Sunday mornings and be home for his family the rest of the day).  I admire a man like that.
You will be missed, Joe.  I wish your family well.  May they be blessed with peace.

Mr. Grumpy" Joe Belch, I met this Gentleman for the very first  time when I joined  the Guardian family  in 1998.  I enjoyed hiding his coffee mug & cigarettes for almost 19 years & watch him pace back and forth looking for it. I remember him hovering over me as I used the typewriter to fill in our quotes & contracts and  him returning every five minutes to ask me if I was  done yet. He would then take may seat & type away while mastering the art of liquid white out because the correction ribbon had run out. I went through ups & downs in life and he would always sit with me and listen.  I witnessed his Son Jason grow from a young boy to a fine grown man.  Joe could scream & bark but was a warm & fuzzy person deep down inside with no true bite.  I will miss you my dear friend & may the Lord our God receive you in Heaven. 

I was  only 17 years old when I joined Guardian and met Joe. I learned so much from him. He was sharp, charismatic and always had great stories to share. One thing I admired about Joe, was his passion. He was in the office everyday and made sure customers were taken care of.  That’s how you lead. 

I loved hearing him speak Spanish and laughed every time he lost his coffee mug, I think it happened daily.

Joe, you will be missed. May you Rest In Peace! 

Joe was my boss for many years but I considered him a friend .
I would remember his jokes, his story about growing up in NY .
Joe was the first person to call me after I was fired and kept calling every week until  I got another job .
Joe and I worked together for more than 20 years. I was glad to reunited with him at Guardian reunion .You will be miss Mr. Belch.

I worked with Joe for 16 years at Guardian and Devcon.  He was a terrific story teller, always talking about his adventures during his time in the service.  He excelled selling security because of his warm and friendly demeanor.  Most people say they remember where they were on 9/11.  I do.  I was with Joe on a sales call in Miami.  Nobody could sell commercial fire or burglar alarm systems like Joe. We kept in touch after the sale of Devcon, but typically, not enough.  He will be missed.

Joe was one of a kind, and I was honored to work alongside him for many long days and many long nights.  He loved his work, but more importantly his family, and would constantly rave about Monique, Kathleen, and Jason. 

I was so sad to learn of his passing and my heartfelt condolences goes out to all who loved Joe.


We the Staff of Kraeer Sample Road Funeral Home would like to extend our most deepest and heartfelt condolences on the passing of your loved one.  “Death leaves a heartache that no one can heal but love leaves memories that no one can steal.”

OBITUARY

Joseph F. Belch

July 7, 1945 – October 20, 2019

Kraeer Funeral Home and Cremation Center

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