Steven Michael Bellayr

Steven Michael Bellayr, 76, of Woodbridge, VA passed away on August 23, 2025. He was a direct descendant of the French du Bellay’s and was born in Brooklyn, NY. He was fluent in German, French, and Hebrew, and graduated from Brooklyn Technical HS (Chemical, NHS) and attended Brooklyn College on a scholarship and fellowship, earning a BA and a MS in Radio & Television.

He later attended NYU Graduate Film School. He was an avid Caver, Rock Climber, and a certified Open Water Diver. At twenty, he was rated in the top 16 nationwide for one wall handball players. He was a published author at age 21 and had photographic and video exhibits at New York Anthology Film Archives and Public Television and galleries. Prior to joining the US Park Police, he worked as a College Instructor in Television and Film and as a Social Worker for New York City. At the time of his joining the US Park Police in 1977 he was in the Officer Candidate School program of the 258 Field Artillery Regiment (New York State National Guard) 42nd Infantry, Rainbow Division. After joining the US Park Police, he was assigned to District 1 foot patrol, where he served one spring and summer as a plainclothes officer. In 1982 he was reassigned to District 2 and retired in 1990. After retiring, he continued to be an active scuba diver and photographer. He spent much of his time collecting fine art, antiques and modern first edition books, weightlifting, and yoga. He enjoyed traveling, especially to Mexico where he climbed the two remaining open Mayan pyramids. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Lynn Lipke Bellayr, whose ancestors were original European colonists to the New World in the 17th Century and later fought in the American Revolution and the Civil War, and his son Ian H. Bellayr, PhD and daughter-in-law Jennifer Collins, JD. He is also survived by his brother, Mark Levine, and his wife Linda, nephew Gregory Levine and wife Andrea (children Seth and Sienna) and nephew Robert Levine and wife Natalie (children Alexander and Madeline).

A graveside service for Steven will be held Wednesday, August 27, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at National Funeral Home, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA 22042, followed by a reception from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.