Roger Herbert Beeltje

Roger Herbert Beeltje, born on December 16, 1944, Cambridge, MA and son of the late George E. and Evelyn M. (Currid), passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at the age of 81. Roger was a devoted husband, having shared nearly 58 years of marriage, and a cherished father and grandfather.

Roger grew up in Cambridge, and later lived in Melrose before enlisting in the U.S. Army. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War era, with postings that took him to Ethiopia both before and after his wedding to his wife, Ann E. (Mahoney). While spending some time in Virginia, Roger completed his service and returned to Massachusetts, residing in Lawrence and then Townsend for 47 years. For many years, Roger worked as a manager for Groton Electric Light Department and retired over 20 years ago. Since 2020, Roger and his wife moved to Belchertown to be closer to two of their children.

In his youth, Roger found joy in working on cars, skiing, and hunting. Throughout his life, he loved fishing and skeet shooting, but the time he spent with his family was most treasured. In retirement, He and his wife especially enjoyed traveling whether it was camping in their motorhome, making cross country treks in their motorhome, or traveling twice to Ireland.

Besides his dear wife, Ann E. (Mahoney), Roger is survived by his son, Michael Beeltje of Sunderland, and his daughters, Colleen Cushing and her husband Jeffrey of Portland, OR and Kathleen Cartee and her husband Jeffrey of W.Springfield. He was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren: Halle, Michaela, Erin, Patrick, Nolan, Ian, Kenneth, and Kaitlyn-Mae. Roger was predeceased by his sister, Muriel Radcliff.

A visitation will be held on Monday, August 3, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home, followed by prayers at 12:45 p.m. A procession to the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery will take place, where military honors will be rendered at 2 p.m.

Donations may be made to Shriner's Children's Hospital or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, in honor of Roger's memory.