Donald Raymond Bellarosa

Don was born on July 13, 1943 to Marguerite and Dona Bellarosa and grew up in Berlin, MA. He graduated from Hudson High School in 1961, where he was a letterman in football and track and field. Don met his wife, Joy, during high school, and they were married in 1963.

In the early 1970s, Don and Joy moved to Cape Cod with their young family, where Don opened an independent ice cream distributorship, The Barnstable Ice Cream Company. After selling his company, he worked as a salesman for various dairy distributors before purchasing and operating Prestige Dry Cleaning in Orleans, MA.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Don cherished his time with his partner, Linda Collins. They made their home in Orleans, enjoyed traveling together, and spending many winters in Naples, Florida. There, Don formed several strong and lifelong friendships. Linda preceded him in death in 2017.

Later in life, Don met Kathy Lennox. He often reminisced about their 2020 trip out west, which included visits to Badlands and Grand Teton National Parks. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Kathy for her love and support, especially during Don’s illness.

Throughout his life, Don enjoyed golf, traveling within and beyond the U.S., hunting, hiking, and camping in the forests of northern New England. He is also remembered fondly as a youth hockey coach and a high school soccer referee.

Don was preceded in death by his first son, Mark, and his siblings Elaine, James, Karen, and Dianne. He is survived by his wife Joy; his son Paul (Caroline) of Brewster, MA; and his son Craig (Glenda) of San Francisco, CA. He is also survived by three granddaughters: Alison, Emily, and Gisella, who adored and cared deeply for him.

Don will be buried next to his son Mark in Hudson, Massachusetts. Information about memorial services will be communicated in 2026. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.