Louis L. “Louie” Bellanca – 91 – of 16 Pardee St., Hornell, died early Thursday morning (September 22, 2011) at the home of his daughter in East Fallowfield, PA.
Born in Mt. Morris on November 28, 1919, he was the son of Gaetano & Michela (Cordia) Bellanca.
Louie grew up in Mt. Morris and was a graduate of Mt. Morris Central School (Class of 1938). He later received his Associates Degree in Farm Machinery Maintenance & Repair from Alfred State College.
He was a veteran of the US Army during WWII serving in the Pacific Theater of Operations. He was the recipient of the Purple Heart Medal.
Following his discharge from the US Army, Louie had been employed for a time at the former Erie Railroad and later as a mechanic at Peck’s Motor Sales. For 25 years he was employed as a postal clerk for the US Postal Service, retiring in 1985.Louie was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. He was one of the original Eucharistic Ministers at St. Ann’s Church and continued serving as Eucharistic Minister for 40 years. He was a member of the Notre Dame Retreat League, was active in the St. Ann’s Perpetual Adoration, and for many years took part in the Mass as an Altar Server (especially for funerals). He also volunteered his time at St. James Mercy Hospital.
He was a 4th Degree member and Past Faithful Navigator of the Hornell Knights of Columbus where he also had served as treasurer and trustee. He was a previous recipient of the Knight of the Year Award. Louie enjoyed woodworking, building & refinishing furniture, upholstering and chair caning. He loved rooting for the Buffalo Bills and growing delicious vegetables which he shared with family & friends.
Louie was a soft-spoken man with a heart of gold. He never had a bad word to say about anyone — he only saw the “good” in people. To know Louie Bellanca was to love him! A kinder, gentler man never walked the face of the earth. Hornell truly has lost a great human being and a great friend. He will be sadly missed by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him!
He was preceded in death by 4 brothers, Joseph Bellanca, George Bellanca, Sam Bellanca and Frank Bellanca; 4 sisters, Catherine Least, Rose Falzone, Lena Piriano and Jennie Andolina.
Louie was married on August 15, 1942 (69 years) to the former Julia Mazzella who survives. Also surviving are 2 daughters, Carol (James) Egan of East Fallowfield, PA and Mary Angela (Peter) Winter of Northville, MI; 2 granddaughters, Tracy Winter of Chicago and Kristen (Matthew) Machczynski of Chicago; 1 sister, Grace (Anthony) Munto of Penfield; 1 brother, Philip Bellanca of Hornell; several nieces & nephews.
The family of Louis L. “Louie” Bellanca will receive friends on Sunday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Monday at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery with full military honors.
Louie’s family request that memorial contributions in his name be made to Catholic Charities of Steuben County, 23 Liberty St., Bath, NY 14810. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
The flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at Half-Staff in recognition of Louie’s service to his country during WWII.
Truly a great man and a wonderful neighbor to us for many years.
I only vaguely remember Mr. Louis Bellanca, but I believe that I remember his daughter Mary Angela who used to baby sit me. Mary Angela gave me a 3-foot stack of comic books for some reason, mostly Archie as I recall. Perhaps she was heading off to college or something. I never forgot that kindness, as you can plainly see. Funny the things that one remembers. God’s speed, Mr. Bellanca. My condolences to your family.
My sincerest condolences to the entire family. I have fond memories of “Uncle Lou” and remember him as a kind and incredibly energetic man. May he rest in peace.
Carol and all the family, my sincere condolences to to you. My prayers for him and for strength for you.
May god rest him.
God only made one “Uncle Lou.” We are so very, very blessed that he was ours. His quiet, steady, strong presence was instumental in my life; and I know the same is true for so many of us. I will miss him more than words can express. Aunt Ju and Uncle Lou are the epicenter of the entire Mazzella family. God bless them both. Now, when God needs something special done, he’ll say “I’ll send Louie.”