State Representative Ronald J. Belanger, 78, of Salem, NH died Friday, July 14 ^th at CHA Cambridge Hospital in Cambridge.

Ronald was born and educated in Chelsea, MA the son of the late Adelard and Eva (Cormier) Belanger. He graduated from Chelsea High School and Bunker Hill Community College.

Ron was a retired Detective from the Chelsea Police Department. He was devoted to serving the residents of Salem and did so in numerous capacities. He was a member of the NH House of Representatives member for the past 29 years; a member of Salem Planning Board ; former Salem selectman, and he also served on boards for planning, zoning, housing authority, fair hearing and highway safety committee.

Ron was often seen at the polls and the Salem Flea Market with his sidekick Charlie the puppet. Many children called him the puppet man.

He was predeceased by his wife, Dorinne (Sealy) Belanger and his brothers, Roger, Francis, Vernon and Robert.

Ron will be sadly missed by his children, Donna Sandford and husband Michael of Saugus, MA, Rhonda Belanger Dibiase of Ft. Lauderdale, FL and Ronald Belanger Jr. of Haverhill, MA; his siblings, Richard, Raymond, Donald, Daniel Belanger and Norma Schroth; his grandchildren, Louis, Kendra, Ary, Chanelle, Ugo, Diandra, Ronald III, Lauren, Leanne and Kristi Rose; 5 great grandchildren, James, Payton, Lylah, Manii and Desanii and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Monday from 4:00 – 8:00PM at Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main St., Salem, NH. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, July 18 ^th at 10:30 AM at Mary Queen of Peace Church, 200 Lawrence Rd. Salem, NH. Cremation will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ron's name may be made to: Salem Boys and Girls Club, 3 Geremonty Drive, Salem, NH 03079.