Frank L. Bellissimo, 85

Mr. Frank L. Bellissimo, 85, of Ellwood City passed away on Thursday, October 5, 2017 in the Ellwood City Hospital.

Mr. Bellissimo was born on September 13, 1932 in Ellwood City to the late Bruno and Victoria DeCaria Bellissimo. Frank is a member of the Lincoln High School class of 1952 and was a standout player on the high school football team. He attended and played football at Geneva College for 2 years. Frank then enlisted with the U.S. Army and played football for his base camp’s traveling team in Europe. He was honorably discharged on August 20, 1961 with the rank of corporal. He had worked at the Babcock & Wilcox Steel Mill in Koppel for 33 years as a blacksmith. Frank then worked at the Walnut Ridge Elementary School as a custodian and cafeteria worker for several years. Frank was an active member of the Holy Redeemer Parish where he was one of the first Eucharistic Ministers and chairman of the Annual Bazaar for many years. He was also a member of the parishes Holy Name Society and Special Activities Group. He was the recipient of the St. Mary Zucca Hand of Faith Award, the Diocese of Pittsburgh Manifesting the Kingdom Award, and the 2013 Blessed John Vercelli Holy Name Award. Frank enjoyed making wine, cooking, baking, gardening, and being a member of the Sons of Italy, Saxons Club, MOOSE Club, and Hungarian Home.

Mr. Bellissimo is survived by his daughters Kay Bellissimo, Mary (Jeffery) Sainato, and Rita (Randy) Cole, his grandchildren Anthony Sainato, Kara Sainato, and Katelyn Cole, his brothers Domenic “Mimi” (Teresa) Bellissimo, and Joseph (Rose Marie) Bellissimo all of Ellwood City, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Katherine Marie Kocevar Bellissimo whom he married on October 19, 1957 and passed away on August 16, 2009, his sisters Sue Carusone and Mary Kasparek, and his brothers Bruno, and James J. Bellissimo.

Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-9 pm in the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home, Inc. and Cremation Services.

A mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday at 10:00 am in the Holy Redeemer Church with Father Mark Thomas officiating. Interment will follow at the Locust Grove Cemetery. Those attending the mass are asked to meet at the funeral home on Monday by 9:20 am. Members of the Veterans Honor Guard are asked to meet at the cemetery on Monday by 10:50 am to conduct full military honors.

Mr. Bellissimo’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the Ellwood City Hospital and Vitas Hospice doctors, nurses, and staff for the wonderful care that they extended to him.

Memorial contributions in Mr. Bellissimo’s name may be made to the Holy Redeemer Social Services or to the Holy Redeemer Angel Fund.