“A deep loss to the global community of Data Science, Big Data, and Emerging Technologies”

David Belanger headshot

Image credit: Stevens Institute of Technology

David Belanger, founding member of the New Jersey Big Data Alliance and Senior Research Fellow at Stevens Institute of Technology, passed away on November 18, 2022. “This is a very sad loss for our community,” said NJBDA president Matthew Hale. 

He received his BS in Mathematics from Union College in 1966, an MS in Mathematics from Case Institute of Technology in 1968, and a PhD in Mathematics from Case Western Reserve University in 1971. David began his career as an Associate Professor of Mathematics/Statistics at the University of South Alabama, then moved on to AT&T Bell Laboratories in 1979, where he retired as Chief Scientist in 2012.

For 15 years, he was Vice President of Information, Software, & Systems Research at AT&T Labs, leading research in topics ranging from computer science and data management, to analysis and data visualization, and applications among areas such as: fraud, service/network operations, marketing, and mobility. This role included creation of the AT&T Research InfoLab for the exploration of creating more value from data. In retirement, David returned to teaching at Stevens, sharing his lifetime of knowledge and experience in advanced technology, as well as continuing committee work with the Institute for Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) as a Life Member.

“Through the last decade as our organization grew and expanded its programs, he provided brilliant insight and guidance on our direction, offering suggestions in his thoughtful way, and always ready to collaborate. David will be greatly missed,” said Margaret Brennan-Tonetta, NJBDA past president and co-founder. At NJBDA, he was most recently Vice President of the Entrepreneurship Committee.

He is survived by Maryann (McBride) his wife of over 52 years, son John Belanger (Kathryn) of Massachusetts, daughter Erin Blackwell (Andrew) of Connecticut, and his sister Nora Belanger. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Katherine and Victoria Blackwell, and David and Jack Belanger.

A mass in David’s honor will be held Friday, November 25, 2022 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 34 Yorktown Rd., Hillsborough, NJ. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in David’s name to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which David and Maryann have supported for decades.

Read obituary from Hillsborough Funeral Home.