Richard T. Bellina, 75, of Town of Niagara, NY passed away Tuesday August 9, 2011 at Mt. St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston, NY. He was the son of the late Thomas and Carmella (Carman) Bellina.

A lifelong of Niagara Falls, Richard attended local schools and served in the United States Navy from the late 1950's until his honorable discharge on February 22, 1963. On October 16, 1959 he married Helen (Babb) Bellina in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Niagara Falls, NY. Richard worked for Globe Metallurgical in Niagara Falls, NY until his retirement at age 65. He was an avid bowler and was a member of the National Federation of the Blind, Slate & Stylus Blind Organization, and Niagara Falls Blind Bowlers Association. He was also the former manager of the Elks Club when it was located in downtown Niagara Falls, NY.

In addition to his wife of fifty-one years, he is survived by his children Richard T. (Theresa) Bellina, Jr. of Town of Niagara, NY, Cheryl (Michael) Hayes of Niagara Falls, NY, Brenda M. Bellina (fiancé Philip Balone) of South Boston, NY, and Amy (Mark) Beckett of Niagara Falls, NY, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his grandson Lucas Hayes in 2008. Richard is also survived by a sister Sheila (Thomas) Damiano of Florida, and aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by a sister Gloria Robinson.

Visitation will be on Wednesday August 31st from 6 – 8 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY RD. NIAGARA FALLS, NY concluding with a prayer service and Military Honors at 8 PM. At the request of Mr. Bellina, his body has been donated to the Anatomical Program of the University of Buffalo for medical research. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to American Diabetes association, 315 Alberta Dr. Suite 102, Amherst, NY 14226 or National Kidney Association 300 Delaware Ave. Suite 101, Buffalo, NY 14202.