Michel “Mitch” Belanger, 76, of Berlin, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025 with his family by his side, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on December 17, 1949 in Notre Dame de Guadeloupe, PQ, Canada, and was the son of the late Aurele and Germaine (Racine) Belanger. Mitch was a lifelong hockey player, and played from childhood with his brothers up until he was no longer able to. In his signature #4 jersey, he helped his high school team go on to win the 1967 New England Championship. Mitch served in the Vietnam War before meeting and marrying the love of his life, Darlene, and having their first child. He became a US resident in 1974, and following the birth of their second child, they raised their family together in Berlin. Mitch had been employed for the local paper mill for 47 years, and retired in 2012. He loved to joke with his buddies at the mill, but no matter what he was doing, being with his family was what mattered most to him.

Family includes his wife of more than 53 years, Darlene (Gagnon) Belanger, and their dog Toby; his daughter Lisa Stewart and her husband John of Berlin; his son Jared Belanger and his significant other Marissa Stevens of Berlin; brothers Pierre Belanger and his wife Sally, and Marcel Belanger and his wife Linda; grandchildren Amber Roy-Stewart and Owen Stewart, both of Berlin; and great-grandson Ellyott Judson. He was predeceased by his son, Jason Belanger, who passed shortly after his birth.

SERVICES: A Graveside Service will be held at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen, on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 11am. There will be no calling hours. Arrangements are entrusted to Bryant Funeral Homes & Crematory, Berlin and Gorham. Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.bryantfuneralhome.net.