Esther J. Bellitto, 96, of Lewiston, NY, passed away on April 18, 2022 at Father Baker Manor in Orchard Park NY.  Born in Niagara Falls, NY, she was the daughter of the late Auerlio and Eliona (Hevia) Fernandez.

Esther graduated from Empire State College with a Master's Degree in Social Work.  She was employed for 10 years in Parent Education with the Niagara Falls Board of Education.  Esther loved her career in education.  She had a deep passion for helping others, and centered her life around her family.

Esther is survived by her children, Richard R. (Cathy) Cobello and Robert P. (late Shaun) Bellitto (fiancée Dawn Everett), her grandchildren, Susan (Brian) Washburn, Lauren Cobello, Caitlin (Thomas) Aldrich, Jenna (Issac) Kain, Justyn Bellitto, Cody Bellitto, Tyler Bellitto, Jordan Bellitto (Sarah Loomis), Nicholas, Pennington and Tyler; 13 great-grandchildren; her siblings, Jacquelyn (late Hayden) Dryden, Joseph (Sally) Fernandez, Aury (Janet) Fernandez, Ramon (Mary V.) Fernandez, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.  She was predeceased by her daughter, Elaine (Stephen) Kennedy, her first husband, Richard R. Cobello in 1967, her second husband, Ross S. Bellitto in 2011, her grandson, Richard R. Cobello III, and her siblings Margaret (Robert) Ramos, Louise Sturak, Anita (late Paul) Rutten, Mary (late James) Fadden, Louis (Maryann) (late Teresa) Fernandez, Jay (late George) Correia, Robert (Patricia) Fernandez, and her cousin, Mary Lou (late Joseph) Korzak.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 23 from 3 – 5 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14304.  Private entombment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY will be held at the convenience of the family.  If desired, memorial offerings may be made to the Foundations of Catholic Health, https://www.chsbuffalo.org/foundations .  Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.