Mr. John Bellas' Obituary
John Peter Bellas (July 8, 1921 – August 11, 2017)
John Peter Bellas was born in Chicago, Illinois, and passed away in his home in Pinellas Park, Florida. He was surrounded by his loving wife of 73 years and devoted children. He was the firstborn of five sons to Greek immigrants, Peter Bellas and Helen Chelemengos.
John met the love of his life, Furnia Reep, during WWII at an airplane-manufacturing factory in early 1944. They were married on November 4, 1944. They were blessed with 4 children: Donna Elynne (Poucher), Patricia Ann (Scholtz), Jonathan Edward, and Kathleen Angela (Newsome).
After the war, John worked for Motorola in production planning and moonlighted as a TV repairman to supplement the family income. In 1969, he purchased a Dunkin’ Donuts Franchise. He became a baker, business owner, and manager – a long held dream. He ran the shop in Worth, Illinois, for 20 years before selling the franchise. In 1983, he and Furnia purchased a Baskin Robbins Franchise, which she managed until 1992. After retiring, they traveled the world together.
John and Furnia were long-time members of Elim Evangelical Free Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. They practiced their faith and raised their children to love the Lord Jesus Christ and to respect God’s Creation. He was an usher and treasurer for the church, and worked in the AWANA youth program.
John loved sports. The Cubs, the Bulls, the Bears, and the Black Hawks were his favorite teams. John was thrilled when the Cubs finally won the 2016 World Series.
He was a doting grandparent and great-grandparent having spent many happy moments celebrating special occasions, traveling with his children and grandchildren, and providing childcare when the need arose. His family and his faith were central to his life and he will be missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family and friends.
His funeral service will be held on Friday, August 18th, at Liberty Baptist Church in St Petersburg, Florida, followed by the internment at Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Suncoast Hospice would be appreciated by the family. https://suncoasthospice.org/donate/
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
How did John make you smile?