Richard Charles Belthoff, Jr

Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord. -Matthew 25:23

Obituary

Richard “Rich” Belthoff passed away peacefully at home on June 14, 2026, after a brief illness. He was surrounded by his loving family, who meant so much to him throughout his life.

Rich was born in Denville, New Jersey, to Richard and Barbara Belthoff (née Erdmann). As the eldest of three sons, he was a natural leader from an early age, setting an example of strength, integrity, and compassion.

He earned a degree in Criminal Justice from East Carolina University and later earned his Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Rich built a distinguished and respected 40-year legal career in Charlotte, North Carolina. Early in his career, he was a partner at Grier, Belthoff & Furr, P.A. He later transitioned to corporate law and spent 24 years at Wachovia, which subsequently became Wells Fargo. Throughout his career, he was known not only for his professionalism and expertise, but also for his fairness, integrity, and dedication to others.

Outside of his career, Rich embraced life fully. He enjoyed many hobbies, including martial arts, golf, hiking, tennis, and physical fitness, and he maintained a lifelong love of reading and technology. He published numerous computer-related books and journal articles and served as a system operator for WordPerfect Magazine. Music was especially close to his heart. At age 19, he taught himself to play the piano, a passion he carried throughout his life. He faithfully played with the Praise Team at Weddington Methodist Church each Sunday morning until he became ill.

Rich was deeply committed to serving others. He volunteered generously in many areas of his life and served on the Board of the March of Dimes, reflecting his desire to make a meaningful difference in his community.

Above all, Rich will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was a steady presence, a voice of reason, and a source of wisdom and guidance for those he loved. His unwavering support and love for his family were the foundation of his life.

He is survived by his loving wife, Rebecca; his daughter, Ashley Belthoff (Daniel Johnson); his stepsons, Brett Solomonson and Blake Solomonson; his daughter-in-law, Heather Belthoff; his grandson, Oliver Belthoff; his father, Richard Belthoff Sr.; his brothers, James Belthoff and John Belthoff; and his sister-in-law, Melissa (Christopher) Bannen. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Abbie Belthoff, Lindsay Belthoff, Jackson Belthoff, Ian Belthoff, Robert (Shelby) Halley, and by his former sister-in-law, Linda Belthoff, who remained a cherished member of the family.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Belthoff, and his son, Jason Belthoff.

Rich’s legacy of kindness, wisdom, service, and devotion to family will live on in the many lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

A Celebration of Life and Faith will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Weddington Methodist Church, 13901 Providence Rd, Weddington, NC 28104, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Weddington Methodist Church Building Fund, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, or the March of Dimes.

Memory wall

June 26, 2026

Rich and I have worked together for what, decades? Always a thoughtful considerate man who had a tremendous wit and one of the best real estate legal minds I know. As I am typing this, I hear his chuckle. Hard to process his passing but comfort comes from knowing he is glorified and with the Lord. God bless Rich and comfort for his family. Matthew 5:4

Jim Rock

June 24, 2026

I am saddened to hear of Rich's passing. I enjoyed working with Rich at WF and always appreciated his sense of humor. He will be missed. Praying for Christ's overwhelming love and comfort for Rich's family at this time.

Clark Tabbert

June 23, 2026

Rich was such a kind, steady presence at work. He was quick to answer questions and quick to provide levity and perspective in stressful situations. He spoke so proudly of his family and it was so fun to hear of trips and adventures he shared with them. My prayers are with the family as you grieve this great loss and I hope you are comforted by beautiful memories and the promise of Heaven.

Rachel Dyrud

June 22, 2026

Rich was a truly kind person - someone who gave of himself generously to those around him, often in quiet but meaning ways. He
brought both talent an humor to everything he did, and it made a lasting impression on the people who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. He will be remembered not only for his professionalism, but for the warmth and laughter he shared so freely. My thoughts are with his family and friends.

Lynne' Bailey

June 22, 2026

Rich was one of the first people I met in the Legal Department, many years ago when I was working in the Corporate Properties Group under Bob Bertges. He was interested in intranet technology, and he never just asked for help; he always wanted to better understand the tools so that he could handle as much on his own. It's not a stretch to say that I ended up working in the Legal Department partly through the impression I had of the Department that I formed from knowing Rich.

Jorah Lavin

June 19, 2026

I'm so sorry to hear of Rich's passing. Rich and I were Morris Knolls high school classmates. He was in my English class. We had a lot of characters in our English class. We used to bust on the English teacher. It was a lot of fun. Later on down the line, we became Facebook friends as well. We would comment on each other's posts. It was a great way to stay in touch with each other. I offer my sincere condolences to Rich's wife and family members. God Bless Rich as he enters Heaven.

Kevin Reiley

June 18, 2026

MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND CONDOLESENCES. HE WAS A TRUE FRIEND AND DEAR CLASSMATE. I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR. RIP RICH

JEANETTE HELYES GUERTIN

June 18, 2026

I am so sorry to hear about Rich's passing. He was a unique person-talented, caring and sharing. And a very skilled and professional attorney. He will be missed by many people.

Ed Hamilton

June 17, 2026

Rich and I are cousins. His dad (Uncle Dick as my family called him) and my dad (Uncle Bob as Rich's family called him) used to see each other on holidays when all our families were growing up in New Jersey. Although we had not physically seen each other in years, Rich and I communicated via social media and text. He was a very proud husband, dad and grandfather. He "glowed" when he spoke of his family. I will miss his texts and periodic "political" speeches! He always put a smile on my face. I know Rich is in heaven with his mom ( my Aunt Babs) and his son Jason. I extend sincere condolences to Uncle Dick, his wife Becky, his daughter Ashley,his grandkids, his brothers James (i called him Jimmy) and John and all of Rick's extended family.. I pray and I wish that the years of happy memories will ease some of the pain on the loss of Rich! Love you all!

Tom.Belthoff

June 17, 2026

I worked with Rich for so many years at the bank - and he was ALWAYS fair, smart, wise, and when he was with me he was always there. He was the consummate professional who had this wonderful quirky sense of humor. There are many “things” in Charlotte that would have never been accomplished without Rich being Rich - I am so thankful he was a part of my life

Bob Bertges

June 17, 2026

Wishing you comfort and peace in the days ahead. You have my heartfelt sympathy . I'll always remember Rich as a co-worker at Wachovia/Wells Fargo. He was leader of our lunch bunch and we would meet at the green statue downstairs. For me, it was less about lunch and more about catching up with family and work news of the day. He worked hard but was always there to help his co-workers. He will be missed.

Eileen Dunlap

June 17, 2026

The world has lost a wonderful man! I will dwell in all the fun times spent with Rich and Becky but regret that they were too few!

Lisa Fitzgetald

June 16, 2026

Terry and I are saddened to hear of your loss. Rich has definitely lived and loved deeply from this beautifully written tribute. I wish I had the opportunity to meet him. Our love, prayers and sympathies to your family ✝️

Peggy L Weivoda