Robert F. "Bob" Belden, a distinguished native of Canton, Ohio, has been honored with induction into the Canton Central Catholic High School Hall of Fame. His multifaceted career spans notable achievements in athletics, business, and community service.

At Central Catholic, Belden was an exceptional multi-sport athlete, earning eight varsity letters: two in football, three in basketball, and three in baseball while serving as co-captain of both the basketball and baseball teams during his senior year. His academic excellence was equally impressive, as he was named boys' valedictorian for the Class of 1965.

Belden's athletic journey continued at the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics in 1969 while contributing to the Fighting Irish football program as a quarterback. That same year, he made history as the first Notre Dame player ever drafted by the Dallas Cowboys, selected in the 12th round of the NFL Draft. He served as a backup quarterback for two seasons (1969-1970), working on his MBA studies between seasons. After retiring from professional football, he completed his MBA in Operations Research/Management Science from the University of Michigan Graduate School of Business in 1971.

Following his football career, Belden embarked on a diverse business journey, first joining the 3M Company in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he worked in various marketing capacities from 1972 to 1976. He then became self-employed, purchasing a membership on the Chicago Board Options Exchange where he spent seven years trading options as a market-maker. In 1983, thirteen years after retiring from football, he returned to Canton to join the family business, The Belden Brick Company, founded in 1885. Rising through the ranks from Vice-President & Marketing in 1983 to President in 1995, CEO in 2008, and Chairman of the Board in 2016, he guided the company to become the largest family-owned brick manufacturer in the U.S., with operations in Canton and Sugarcreek, Ohio. He became Chairman Emeritus on April 24, 2024, and retired effective January 1, 2025.

Belden's commitment to Stark County extends beyond business, as evidenced by his active participation in numerous local initiatives. He has served on the Investment Review Committee of the Stark Community Foundation, contributed to philanthropic efforts, and held leadership positions with organizations including the Canton Student Loan Foundation, CSA Health System, Stark County District Library, and the Sisters of Charity Foundation of Canton. In recognition of his civic contributions, he received the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce's highest honor, the Award of Merit, in 2010. He is also interim CEO of Arcitell, LLC, a joint venture between Belden Holding & Acquisition, Inc. and Acell Ltd.

Bob Belden's legacy is deeply rooted in family and community. He is married to the former Kathy Keniray, a 1967 graduate of Central Catholic, and they are the parents of four children and grandparents of fourteen grandchildren. The family's connection to Central Catholic spans generations: all four of their children are graduates, two grandsons have already graduated, and their granddaughter Lily Belden is currently a senior. His mother, Patricia Freeman Belden, was a 1941 graduate of Mount Marie. Bob Belden's induction into the Canton Central Catholic High School Hall of Fame celebrates a life marked by athletic excellence, business leadership, and dedicated community service, with an enduring impact on both the local community and the broader industry that stands as a testament to his leadership and commitment.